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Title: Direct evidence for a xylose metabolic pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Journal Article · · Biotechnol. Bioeng.; (United States)

Xylose transport, xylose reductase, and xylitol dehydrogenase activities are demonstrated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The enzymes in the xylose catabolic pathway necessary for the conversion of xylose xylulose are present, although S. cerevisiae cannot grow on xylose as a sole carbon source. Xylose transport is less efficient than glucose transport, and its rate is dependent upon aeration. Xylose reductase appears to be a xylose inducible enzyme and xylitol dehydrogenase activity is constitutive, although both are repressed by glucose. Both xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase activities are five- to tenfold lower in S. cerevisie as compared to Candida utilis. In vivo conversion of /sup 14/C-xylose in S. cerevisiage is demonstrated and xylitol is detected, although no significant levels of any other /sup 14/C-labeled metabolites (e.g., ethanol) are observed. 22 references.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
OSTI ID:
5207461
Journal Information:
Biotechnol. Bioeng.; (United States), Vol. 28:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English