Members of the genus Arthrobacter grow anaerobically using nitrate ammonification and fermentative processes: anaerobic adaptation of aerobic bacteria abundant in soil.

Members of the genus Arthrobacter are usually regarded as obligate aerobic bacteria. The anaerobic growth and energy metabolism of two Arthrobacter species were investigated. Arthrobacter globiformis utilized both nitrate ammonification and lactate, acetate and ethanol producing fermentation processes for anaerobic growth. Only nitrate supported anaerobic growth of Arthrobacter nicotianae. Anaerobically induced respiratory nitrate reductase activity was detected in both strains. Neither of the tested strains used the alternative electron acceptors fumarate, dimethylsulfoxide or trimethylamine-N-oxide.