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Biosynthesis of folic acid

Part II Utilization of exogenous intermediates for the biosynthesis of folic acid by bacillus subtilis enzymes

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Summary

Biosynthesis of folic acid activity by Bacillus subtilis cell suspensions was studied with respect to substrates utilized as precursors. Among purine bases, adenine was utilized the best and not guanine although guanosine or guanylic acid were utilized efficiently. Among 3-C precursors, glyceraldehyde gave maximum synthesis of folate activity. The cells appeared to utilize p-aminobenzoate preferentially to p-aminobenzoyl-glutamate. Pteroic acid appears to be an intermediate in the synthesis of folate derivatives in this system. Ascorbic acid stimulates the synthesis to a great extent.

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Mankodi, B.S., Rege, D.V. Biosynthesis of folic acid. Archiv. Mikrobiol. 53, 208–217 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00446667

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