Nutrition, Metabolism, and the Initiation of Development

Abstract

Myxobacteria are aerobic chemoorganotrophs that are found throughout the world on plant material and in soil (Reichenbach and Dworkin 1981; McCurdy 1974). They secrete a variety of enzymes that hydrolyze proteins, nucleic acids, fatty acid esters, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycan. Myxobacteria may be divided into two metabolic groups based on the type of macromolecules they can hydrolyze and use as carbon and energy sources. Some species are able to use cellulose, and their nutritional requirements are relatively simple. Nitrate is the preferred nitrogen source, but ammonium and asparagine also support growth (Pronina 1962; Couche 1969). Cellulose and starch are used as effectively as monosaccharides by the cellulytic species (Couche 1969). However, most species of myxobacteria hydrolyze protein as a carbon and energy source instead of cellulose.