Complete degradation of carbohydrate to carbon dioxide and methane by syntrophic cultures of Acetobacterium woodii and Methanosarcina barkeri

Methanosarcina barkeri (strain MS) grew and converted acetate to CO₂ and methane after an adaption period of 20 days. Growth and metabolism were rapid with gas production being comparable to that of cells grown on H₂ and CO₂. After an intermediary growth cycle under a H₂ and CO₂ atmosphere acetateadapted cells were capable of growth on acetate with formation of methane and CO₂. When acetate-adapted Methanosarcina barkeri was co-cultered with Acetobacterium woodii on fructose or glucose as substrate, a complete conversion of the carbohydrate to gases (CO₂ and CH₄) was observed.Abbreviation CMC carboxymethyl cellulose     

The conversion of d-glucono-1,5-lactone into an α-pyrone derivative

Treatment of d-glucono-1,5-lactone (3) with excess of acetic anhydride in anhydrous pyridine at room temperature afforded the tetra-acetate and 2,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-3-deoxy-d-erythro-hex-2-enono-1,5-lactone (1). On prolonged reaction or at 80°, 3-acetoxy-6-acetoxymethylpyran-2-one (5) was the unexpected main product. The mechanistic implications of the conversion of 1 → 5 are discussed.     

Origin of sclerotia-like cells in submerged Claviceps purpurea producing clavine alkaloids

Ultrathin sectioning of submerged mycelium of Claviceps purpurea Tul. producing clavine alkaloids revealed yeast-like budding resulting in asexual sporesblastospores. These deciduous spores were born by extended hyphal cells and retained the same ultrastructure of cell organelles. Both the extended hyphae and the blastospores resembled the cells of ergot sclerotial tissue. A surface culture of C. purpurea Tul. producing no alkaloids was used as a reference.     

J. Traube zum 70. Geburtstag

Ohne Zusammenfassung