Na(+)-dependent succinate uptake in Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Succinate is effectively taken up by washed cells of Corynebacterium glutamicum. The apparent Km value of uptake is about 150 microM and the Vmax 4-7 nmol (mg dry weight)-1 min-1 and uptake can be competetively inhibited by fumarate and oxaloacetate. The activation energy was determined to be 50 kJ/mol. The transport activity is clearly dependent on the presence of Na+ ions in the incubation medium and on the membrane potential and has a pH optimum around 8.5. It is concluded that succinate is taken up in C. glutamicum via a specific carrier by a secondary active, Na+ coupled mechanism.