Biotin deficiency in Arthrobactger globiformis: comparative cell ultrastructure and nonreplacement of the vitamin by structurally unrelated compounds.

The development of aberrant cell forms of Arthrobacter globiformis 425 due to biotin deficiency was followed by electron microscopy of ultrathin sections. Upon comparison with normal cell growth, aberrant cells developed in the early logarithmic growth phase. Several membrane-bound bodies were embedded in a thick matrix, showing that cell division was impaired. Mesosomes and cytoplasmic membranes were still present in the abnormal cell although the normal cell wall was absent. This condition persisted throughout the growth cycle. This pattern of morphological development was correlated with changes in macromolecular composition of the cells. Various structurally unrelated compounds were tested for their ability to replace biotin. These included aspartic acid, oxalacetic acid, coenzyme A, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and Tween 80. Only Tween 80 was able to spare biotin to a limited degree. However, this sparing action was eliminated in the presence of avidin.