An Evaluation of the Pathways of Metabolism of Glucose, Gluconate and 2-Oxogluconate by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa by Measurement of Molar Growth Yields

SUMMARY Pseudomonas aeruginosa, atcc 9027, was grown in a simple ammonium salts medium with limiting glucose, gluconate or 2-oxogluconate as the sole carbon and energy source. There was little difference in molar growth yield between glucose and gluconate but with 2-oxogluconate the yield was signi-cantly less. Measurement of Y o2 values (g. dry weight of cells produced/mole of oxygen consumed) during growth on the three substrates indicated most efficient oxygen utilization with 2-oxogluconate. The results are discussed in relation to the relative metabolic importance of the various pathways of of glucose metabolism in the organism.