Evidence for a branched respiratory system with two cytochrome oxidases in autotrophically grown Alcaligenes latus

Abstract

The respiratory system of chemolithoautotrophically-grown Alcaligenes latus contains a, b, and c type cytochromes. Two cytochrome oxidases were identified by their carbon monoxide difference spectra and their differing sensitivities to cyanide and carbon monoxide. The oxidases were cytochrome o and an a-type cytochrome. Ubiquinone was present in A. latus membranes and could be reduced by H2. The quinone analogue, 2-heptyl-4-hydroxy-quinoline-N-oxide (HQNO), was a strong inhibitor of the H2 oxidase reaction, but did not prevent the reduction of either ubiquinone or the cytochromes.