EFFECT OF STREPTOMYCIN ON SYNTHESIS OF PROLINE IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

Streptomycin inhibits the synthesis of proline in sensitive cells of Escherichia coli W. Inhibition occurs in the conversion of glutamic acid to glutamic γ-semialdehyde. A low concentration of streptomycin causes inhibition in cells subject to end-product control of the proline pathway, and a higher concentration of antibiotic is required to cause inhibition in cells not subject to this control. Streptomycin-dependent strains of bacteria require streptomycin for the production of proline. Two mechanisms are proposed to explain these observations. 1. 1. Inhibition of protein synthesis by streptomycin causes internal end-product inhibition of the proline pathway in wild-type cells. 2. 2. Binding of streptomycin to the cell membrance causes additional inhibition of synthesis in control deficient strains. © 1969.