The utilization of some halogenated aromatic acids by Nocardia. Effects on growth and enzyme induction

1. Halogen analogues of benzoate and p-nitrobenzoate did not support growth of Nocardia erythropolis. 2. These analogues, when present together with the parent compounds, inhibited growth of the organism. 3. The halogen analogues similarly inhibited oxidation of benzoate or p-nitrobenzoate by competent cells. 4. Fluoroacetate and 2-fluoro-4-nitrobenzoate caused comparable inhibition of growth on p-nitrobenzoate and both led to some citrate accumulation. 5. The induction of the p-nitrobenzoate-oxidation system was strongly inhibited by all the 2-halogeno-4-nitrobenzoates although the 2-fluoro and 2-chloro derivatives also acted as inducers. 6. Halogen analogues of benzoate also induced the benzoate-oxidation system.