D-xylose fermentation and catabolism in Fusarium oxysporum

Fusarium oxysporum exhibits different fermentative capacities when grown under different aeration conditions. Highest ethanol and acetic acid yield coefficients were obtained under semi-aerobic culture conditions. Effect of aerobiosis on the levels of key enzymes and intracellular intermediary metabolites of pentose phosphate pathway, tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis exhibited striking correlation with the fermentative character of metabolism. The results are discussed in relation to the energy levels in the cell, the redox balance and mitochondrial function.