Pathways of Energy Metabolism Required for Phenotypic Expression of Nif+Kp Genes in Escherichia Coli

Abstract

In E. coli K12 (F'nif+ KP) hybrids, electron-transport-dependent phosphorylation is not necessary for anaerobic nitrogen fixation, and substrate level phosphorylation can provide sufficient ATP from glucose for nitrogenase activity, The fumarate-reduction system, however, is essential in these hybrids for the transfer of electrons to nitrogenase, This system is probably also involved in maintaining the membrane in the energized state, thereby allowing nitrogen fixation to occur