Bis(ethylenediamine)-1,10-phenanthrolinecobalt(III) bromide and the ligand ethylenediamine as sources of nitrogen for bacterial growth.

Abstract

Pseudomonas stutzeri will grow on glucose with either the coordination compound bis(ethylenediamine)-1,10-phenanthrolinecobalt(III) bromide ([Co(en)2(phen)]Br3) or the ligand ethylenediamine as the sole source of nitrogen. The utilization of [Co(en)2(phen)]Br3 by P. stutzeri is presumed to involve initial reduction of the cobalt(III) complex to a labile cobalt(II) species which is in equilibrium with free ethylenediamine. After removal of ethylenediamine by the cells, the cobalt(II) and 1,10-phenanthroline remaining appear to inhibit ethylenediamine oxidation. Resting cells previously grown on ethylenediamine as the sole source of nitrogen are able to catalyze the degradation of ethylenediamine and ethanolamine. Ethanolamine-grown cells degrade ethanolamine but not ethylenediamine.