Growth rate and production of a microcin by Salmonella typhimurium LT2 (strain M799-0) in continuous culture.

The production of a bacteriostatic microcin, of molecular weight 520 kD by Salmonella typhimurium LT2, strain M799-0, was studied in continuous culture. The effect of specific growth rate (mu) on microcin production was measured under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In aerobiosis the microcin specific production rate (qp) was found to be strictly associated with cell growth. Thus, it is constitutively synthesized though at low production rate. As growth conditions become limited (i.e. anaerobiosis) its production is clearly induced and the highest yields are reached. Under the latter conditions microcin production follows a kinetic partial growth-linked process.