It is known that nitrogen and phosphorous both are vital for the growth of cells, then why in limiting condition does it enhance PHA production?
As they can not use the available energy source for growth they store it
In many bacteria PHA/PHB production often takes place in the late logarithmic and stationary phase because they are not directly growth-associated metabolic products. They are the energy storage materials of the cells producing them. PHA production is a common phenomenon in purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB). In PNSBs it is observed that nutrient limitation particularly, nitrogen limitation favors the production of PHA/PHB. The stressed condition inferred due to nitrogen limitation triggers the metabolic enzymes responsible for the production of PHA/PHB. Apparently this is a survival strategy exhibited under stressful conditions. Another important factor is that it also increases the C/N ratio which also favors PHA/PHB formation. Some discussions on the metabolic/genetic regulations of this have been provided in the following article.
"Hydrogen from food processing wastes via photofermentation using Purple Non-sulfur Bacteria (PNSB) – A review"
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2016.09.001
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Physical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Materials Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry