MUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF PRIMARY ALCOHOL METABOLISM IN THE METHYLOTROPHIC ACTINOMYCETE AMYCOLATOPSIS-METHANOLICA

Mutants of the methylotrophic actinomycete Amycolatopsis methanolica u nable to grow on methanol as carbon source were isolated and character ized. Mutants specifically affected in methanol utilization were defic ient in formaldehyde assimilation. Mutants blocked in the first step o f primary alcohol oxidation (C1-C4) had lost activity of the tetrazoli um-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase, a three-component enzyme complex. This complex, or individual components, thus play a crucial role in ut ilization of primary alcohols in A. methanolica.