Rapid extracellular acidification induced by glucose metabolism in non-proliferating cells of Serratia marcescens

Authors

  • Montserrat Solé Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Barcelona, Spain
  • Núria Rius Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Barcelona, Spain
  • José G. Lorén Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Barcelona, Spain

Keywords:

Serratia marcescens, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, extracellular acidification

Abstract

The addition of glucose or other sugars to resting cells of Serratia marcescens induced rapid acidification of the extracellular medium. This acidification was due to the catabolism of sugars. The rate of acidification depended on the carbon source and its concentration. HPLC analysis of the supernatants demonstrated that the progressive fall in pH resulted from the rapid production of lactic, acetic, pyruvic and citric acids. Other microorganisms were tested for their ability to produce this rapid acidification of the medium. This study may provide a rapid and simple method for metabolism studies.

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Published

2010-03-15

Issue

Section

Research Articles