Physiological and biochemical properties of two strains ofCephalosporium chrysogenum

Two morphologically identical strains ofCephalosporium chrysogenum were compared with respect to physiological and biochemical properties. Similar patterns of carbohydrate and hydrocarbon utilization were noted for both strains. Each strain was enzymatically active against the following substrates: beef fat, arbutin, urea, casein, lignin, and cellulose. A yellow pigment was produced by both strains in various agar media. Vitamins were not essential for growth. Each organism could be cultivated in the presence of 40% glucose. Both strains yielded antibiotics inhibiting the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Chromatography of cell hydrolysates of theC. chrysogenum strains revealed the presence of ribose, glucose and galactose.The author expresses his gratitude to Prof. Dr. T. O. Wikén of the Delft University of Technology, and to Dr. J. A. von Arx of the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Baarn, for their cooperation in making this investigation possible. Sincere thanks are due to Dr. W. Gams of the Centraalbureau for supplying both strains ofC. chrysogenum.This work was supported by Public Health Service special research fellowship 1-F3-AI-37, 152-01 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S.A.