Abstract
The suggestion by Ruben and Kamen (6) of an essential identity between the process of carbon dioxide utilization by microorganisms (1, 3, 12) and the dark or Blackman reaction in photosynthesis of green plants is most important if verified. An indirect check on this interpretation would consist of evidence that both reactions are similarly influenced by the biologically essential trace elements. These chemical elements are requisite for photosynthesis (2) and their deficiencies in green plants result in specific leaf-chlorosis patterns (4). Inhibition of the thermal dark reaction in photosynthesis by carbon monoxide and by hydrogen cyanide would suggest inactivation of iron catalysis (11). The r?le of trace elements in photosynthesis is unknown, nor has any suggestion been made that they have a function in the utilization of carbon dioxide by microorganisms. Growth of the fungus, Aspergillus niger van Tiegh, is decreased in air freed from carbon dioxide (5), presumably because of its being necessary for reactions leading to synthesis of organic acids. When the fungus is grown on an optimum nutrient solution with ammonium nitrate at 35? C. for 4 days in a rapid current of air, the effects of trace elements in conjunction with low carbon dioxide are readily demonstrated with iron, but not with zinc or copper.1 The methods used in trace element studies have been described elsewhere
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