Abstract:
Uptake of various solid hydrophobic substances is reported to occur by their solubilization, mediated by the cells through secretion of extracellular factors, or via direct contact of cells with the substrate. Pseudomonas cichorii strain S utilizes alpha-santonin, a sesquiterpene, as a sole source of carbon forming various intermediary products. The substrate, in liquid as well as on solid media, forms conspicuous crystals, which disappear during the course of growth of the organism. The present communication reports the observations on the mechanism of alpha-santonin uptake by Pseudomonas cichorii strain S.
