Carbon catabolite regulation of gentamicin formation.

The effect of utilizable carbon sources on the production of gentamicin by Micromonospora purpurea has been studied. High D-glucose and D-xylose concentrations (40 mg/ml), exerted a strong and permanent negative action on antibiotic formation. On the other hand, similar concentrations of D-fructose, D-mannose, maltose and starch caused no effect. The glucose action is seen only if added during the logarithmic growth phase; moreover, the sugar needs to be metabolized to show its negative effect.