Characteristics and glycerol metabolism of fumarate-reducing Enterococcus faecalis RKY1

Enterococcus faecalis RKY1, which converts fumarate to succinate with a hig h yield, was identified on the basis of a phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA gene sequence. The strain was incubated at 38 degreesC for 18 h to exa mine the possible diversion of glucose or glycerol fermentation by fumarate . The products of glucose and glycerol fermentation with fumarate were quit e different from those of normal fermentation, which ultimately produces la ctate, in that mainly succinate is produced. Metabolic pathway stoichiometr y was used to analyze the oxidation of glycerol to succinate by Enterococcu s faecalis RKY1. The stoichiometric relationship between glycerol and fumar ate was used as a guideline to accumulate succinate more efficiently. (C) 2 001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.