In vivo13C-NMR studies of polymer synthesis inRhizobium meliloti M5N1 strain

The use of in vivo C-13-NMR approach for the monitoring of the synthesis of various polymers within cells of Rhizobium meliloti (M5N1 strain) is reported. Significant differences in polymer biosynthesis have been shown as a function of the metabolic stale of the cells and the labeled carbon source used. Consumption of carbon source and produced glycogen was complete with mid-exponential phase harvested cells, This was not the case with stationary phase harvested cells, for which polyhydroxybutyrate synthesis was higher and gluconate synthesis was lower than the former. [1-C-13]fructose-grown cells produced more exopolysaccharide and polyhydroxybutyrate, but less beta-(1,2) glucan and gluconate than [1-C-13]glucose-grown cells. This approach offers a suitable tool to examine the kinetics of polymer biosynthesis by Rhizobia. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.