The Effect of Exogenous Energy Sources on the Synthesis of β-Galactosidase in Resting-Cell Suspensions of Escherichia coli

Using methyl-1-thio-β-D-galactoside as the inducer, the biosynthesis of β-galactosidase was observed in Escherichia coli B with only endogenous sources of nitrogen and energy available. The addition of glucose, ribose, xylose, or glycerol as exogenous energy sources to nitrogen-deficient media blocked enzyme formation. Preinduction of the resting cells failed to overcome inhibition by the added energy sources. With limited quantities of glucose, ribose, xylose, or glycerol, synthesis of β-galactosidase resumed abruptly and continued at the rate normal for cells in nitrogen-deficient media. Comparison of enzyme activities with oxygen uptake data revealed a reduction in the rate of oxygen uptake at the time enzyme synthesis resumed in media originally containing small amounts of energy sources. This change corresponded to only a fraction of the oxygen required for complete oxidation of one of the exogenous substrates. It is suggested that inhibition by these particular exogenous substrates involves metabolism to a common repressor or interference with an energy-transfer system.