A REVIEW - ARGININE METABOLISM IN WINE LACTIC-ACID BACTERIA AND ITS PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This article begins with an introduction to malolactic fermentation in wine, followed by a review of the occurrence of arginine degradation in wine lactic acid bacteria and the pathway of arginine catabolism, t he distribution of enzymes responsible, and the formation of products. The bioenergetics of wine lactic acid bacteria and arginine degradati on are then reviewed. This is followed by a review of the possible mec hanisms of arginine transport, and regulation of arginine metabolism a nd synthesis of the enzymes for arginine catabolism. Finally, the prac tical significance of arginine metabolism in wine lactic acid bacteria is reviewed with respect to taxonomic utility, biological significanc e and oenological implications.