Photometabolism of Indole by Purple Non-Sulphur Bacteria

Abstract

Indole could not support the growth of purple non-sulphur bacteria either as sole carbon or nitrogen source. Its partial degradation by Rhodobacter sphaeroides when provided as sole nitrogen source in the medium resulted in the accumulation of 2-aminophenyl acetate and anthranilate. Indole inhibited growth of purple non-sulphur bacteria and its effect on the nitrogen assimilation and bacterial chlorophyll biosynthesis was evidenced.