Inhibition of growth of a Graphium sp on gaseous n-alkanes by gaseous n-alkynes and n-alkenes

The growth of a filamentous fungus, a Graphium sp., on n-alkanes (C-2 to C-4) was inhibited by low concentrations of acetylene, propyne, 1-butyne, ethylene, and propylene. Acetylene and other unsaturated hydrocarbons had no effect on the growth of the Graphium sp, on potato dextrose broth, ethanol, or acetate. Our results suggest that n-alkynes and n-alkenes are selective inhibitors of a nonspecific monooxygenase enzyme responsible for the initial oxidation of n-alkanes.