This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Reprints and Permissions Copyright Information Books from ASM Press MicrobeWorld Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Davis, J. B. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Davis, J. B. Agricola Articles by Davis, J. B.

 Previous Article  |  Next Article 

Appl Environ Microbiol. 1964 May; 12(3): 210-214
Copyright © 1964 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Microbial Incorporation of Fatty Acids Derived From n-Alkanes Into Glycerides and Waxes

Field Research Laboratory, Socony Mobil Oil Co., Inc., Dallas, Texas

ABSTRACT

When n-alkanes with 13 to 20 carbon atoms were fed to a Nocardia closely related to N. salmonicolor, the produced cellular triglycerides and aliphatic waxes invariably contained fatty acids with an even or an odd number of carbon atoms subject to this feature of the n-alkane substrate. Beta-oxidation and C₂ addition are both operative, as evidenced by the spectra of fatty acids incorporated into the cellular lipid components. There is no distinction in the rate of microbial incorporation of the odd-or even-numbered carbon chains. The fatty acids are apparently directly derived from the long chain n-alkanes, rather than synthesized via the classic C₂-condensation route. The alcohol component of waxes produced by the Nocardia is invariably of the same chain length as the n-alkane substrate.