Oxygen regulation of L-1,2-propanediol oxidoreductase activity in Escherichia coli.

Regardless of the respiratory conditions of the culture, Escherichia coli synthesizes an active propanediol oxidoreductase. Under anaerobic conditions, the enzyme remained fully active and accomplished its physiological role, while under aerobic conditions, it was inactivated in a process that did not depend on protein synthesis or on the presence of a carbon source.