Ketogulonicigenium

Ketogulonicigenium is a genus of bacteria in the family Oxalobacteraceae. The genus was first described by Urakami et al. in 1989. The bacteria are gram-negative, non-spore-forming, and rod-shaped. They are known for their ability to produce 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, a precursor of vitamin C.

Taxonomy

The genus Ketogulonicigenium belongs to the family Oxalobacteraceae, in the order Burkholderiales, of the class Betaproteobacteria. The genus currently includes two species: K. vulgare and K. robustum.

Characteristics

Ketogulonicigenium bacteria are gram-negative, non-spore-forming, and rod-shaped. They are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. The bacteria are also known for their ability to produce 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, a precursor of vitamin C.

Metabolism

Ketogulonicigenium bacteria are known for their ability to convert sorbose into 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, a key intermediate in the production of vitamin C. This metabolic pathway is of significant industrial importance, as it is used in the large-scale production of vitamin C.

Industrial Use

Due to their ability to produce 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, Ketogulonicigenium bacteria are used in the industrial production of vitamin C. The bacteria are typically grown in large fermentation tanks, where they convert sorbose into 2-keto-L-gulonic acid. This compound is then further processed to produce vitamin C.

See Also

• Oxalobacteraceae
• Burkholderiales
• Betaproteobacteria
• Vitamin C