| Abstract: | Growing cultures, washed cells, and cell-free extracts of Gluconobacter melanogenus IFO 3293 were found to convert L -sorbose to L -sorbosone. The product was identified by thin layer chromatography of the 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazone, and by paper partition chromatography using chemically prepared materials as standards. Factors influencing the conversion included incubation temperature and composition of the growth medium. Addition of betaine or choline to the growing cultures stimulated conversion of L -sorbose to L -sorbosone. |
