Mechanism and stereospecificity of the parabactin-mediated iron-transport system in Paracoccus denitrificans.

The mechanism by which Paracoccus denitrificans utilizes parabactin in its iron-transport apparatus is examined. The cellular uptake of 55Fe-parabactin, its enantiomer, as well as a large number of its homologues and analogues are measured. Furthermore, the ability of these catecholamide ligands to stimulate microbial growth is also determined. The results of these studies point out several structural boundary conditions which the microorganism sets when utilizing iron chelates.