Glycerol Metabolism in Methylotrophic Yeasts

Abstract

Enzyme activities involved in the initial step of glycerol metabolism were determined in cells of methylotrophic yeasts grown on glycerol, methanol or glucose. In Candida boidinii (Kloeckera sp.) No. 2201, the activities of glycerol kinase and dihydroxyacetone kinase were detected in cells grown on glycerol and methanol, respectively. The activity of NAD+-linked glycerol dehydrogenase of Hansenula polymorpha DL-1 was induced by glycerol and methanol, while that of Hansenula ofunaensis was induced by glycerol. The enzymes of both strains were subject to catabolite repression by glucose. The yeasts tested were divided into three groups as to the glycerol dissimilation patterns. Strains of the genera Candida, Saccharomyces, Pichia and Torulopsis had the phosphorylative pathway, in which glycerol is first phosphorylated. H. ofunaensis had the oxidative pathway, in which glycerol is first oxidized. H. polymorpha DL-1 had both the phosphorylative and oxidative pathways. © 1987, Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry. All rights reserved.