Pyruvate-phosphate dikinase and the control of gluconeogenesis in Acetobacter xylinum.

Ryruvate-phosphate dikmase formation was induced on transfer of glucose-grown cells of Acefobacfer xylinum to succinateor pyruvate-containing media. Enzyme formation did not occur if such media were supplemented with glucose or in the presence of chloramphenicol. Fructose and glycerol were less effective in repressing enzyme formation. When glucose was added to cultures of cells growing on succinate, the growth of the organism was unimpaired, but was accompanied by virtual cessation of dikinase synthesis. The changes in the dikinase activity of the cells were accompanied by parallel changes in the ability of cells to convert pyruvate into cellulose. It is concluded that the physiological function of pyruvate-phosphate dikinase in A. xylinum is gluconeogenic, and that gluconeogenesis in this organism is subject to control exerted over the synthesis of the dikinase.