MICROBIOLOGICAL DEGRADATION OF QUERCITRIN

Abstract

A number of molds and bacteria were screened for their ability to degrade quercitrin. The molds, but not the bacteria, were particularly active and produced carbon monoxide. The degradation of quercitrin is dependent upon the synthesis of an inducible glycosidase (quercitrinase). This enzyme is synthesized by only a few members of the Aspergillus flavus group. Two of these strains synthesized quercitrinase and excreted it and other enzymes into the culture medium. Maximum production of quercitrinase was obtained with organic nitrogen sources such as yeast extract or phytone. Quercitrinase is induced by readily metabolized flavonols and flavonol-glycosides. The glycosidase is quite specific, liberating the rhamnose from the 3-position of quercitrin and myricitrin and the 7-position of robinin. The aglycone, quercetin, is subsequently metabolized to carbon monoxide and the depside of phloroglucinol-carboxylic acid and proto-catechuic acid. Evidence is also presented for an alternative pathway for the metabolism of the flavonol nucleus.