Role of potassium in the oxidative metabolism of Micrococcus sodonensis.

Perry, Jerome J. (The University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill.), and James B. Evans. Role of potassium in the oxidative metabolism of Micrococcus sodonensis. J. Bacteriol. 82:551-555. 1961.-An absolute potassium requirement has been established for the growth of Micrococcus sodonensis with lactate or pyruvate as substrate. Potassium at 0.67 x 10(-2)m concentration was necessary for maximal growth. Resting cell and cell-free preparations from cells grown on minimal levels of potassium were stimulated by potassium but, due to residual or bound cation, did not show an absolute requirement. Rubidium and cesium replaced potassium in these cells although cesium is much less effective.