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FOLIC ACID DERIVATIVES SYNTHESIZED DURING GROWTH OF DIPLOCOCCUS PNEUMONIA

F M SIROTNAK, G J DONATI, D J HUTCHISON

    Journal of Bacteriology
    |March 1, 1963
    PubMed

    Insights

    Diplococcus pneumoniae primarily synthesizes folic acid as polyglutamates, with most occurring intracellularly. Folinic acid activity was limited, and folate synthesis precedes peptide moiety formation.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Folic acid is essential for bacterial growth.
    • Understanding folate metabolism in bacteria is crucial for antimicrobial development.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the forms of folic acid derivatives synthesized by Diplococcus pneumoniae.
    • To elucidate the stage of glutamyl-peptide moiety synthesis in folate metabolism.

    Main Methods:

    • Culturing Diplococcus pneumoniae under conditions of excess folic acid synthesis.
    • Analyzing accumulated folic acid derivatives (mono-, di-, and polyglutamates).
    • Assessing folinic acid activity and the impact of folate synthesis inhibitors.

    Main Results:

    • 85-90% of synthesized folic acid accumulated as polyglutamates.
    • Mono- and diglutamates comprised 10-15% of folate derivatives.
    • Folinic acid activity was observed in only 10-15% of derivatives.
    • Glutamyl-peptide moiety synthesis occurs prior to folic acid formation.
    • Sulfanilamide inhibition was reversed by dihydrofolic acid, not folic acid.

    Conclusions:

    • Diplococcus pneumoniae predominantly accumulates folic acid as polyglutamates.
    • Folate metabolism involves intracellular polyglutamate synthesis.
    • Glutamyl-peptide bond formation is an early step in folate synthesis.
    Keywords:
    DIPLOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAEFOLIC ACIDMETABOLISM

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