Substrates for Myxococcus virescens with Special Reference to Eubacterial Fractions

SUMMARY: It was found that a mutant strain of Myxococcus virescens, able to grow dispersed in liquid media, oxidized the cytoplasmic lipids and proteins of Escherichia coli. Cell walls and nucleic acids of E. coli were not oxidized, and the acid soluble fraction was only slightly oxidized. It was also observed that the cytoplasmic contents of intact cells of E. coli were not available for oxidation. Glucose and starch were oxidized by the strain of Myxococcus virescens used.