Carbohydrate oxidation by the wheat smut fungus, Tilletia caries.

Extensive genetic studies (1) and limited nutritional investigations (2, 3) have been accomplished for the wheat smut organism, Tilletia caries, but information is lacking concerning its metabolism and enzyme systems. A more systematic approach to control might be realized by a fuller understanding of the nutrition and metabolism of the smut fungus. Studies designed to elucidate the pathway of carbohydrate metabolism show that maltose, starch, and glucose are rapidly oxidized by resting cells and the phosphorylated sugars by cell-free extracts. The results with the phosphorylated esters suggest the operation of the Horecker pentose cycle, which has been demonstrated in other species. Thus this mechanism of metabolizing carbohydrate is recognized in another organism. The presence of hexokinase and aldolase has also been shown in the cell-free extracts.