Cytochrome Content of Two Pseudomonads Containing Mixed-Function Oxidase Systems

The cytochrome and nonheme iron protein content of two pseudomonads,Pseudomonas oleovorans andP. putida , containing mixed function oxidase systems was examined. The mixed function oxidase system ofP. oleovorans andP. putida had previously been shown to be present in cells which had been grown on hexane and camphor, respectively, as energy source. The content of protoheme was found to increase significantly when the organisms were grown on the substrates for mixed function oxidation. The nonheme iron protein content increased significantly in the case ofP. putida and was constant inP. oleovorans . The cytochromec content was essentially constant in both pseudomonads. The content of cytochrome P-450 inP. putida increased from an immeasurably low amount to 0.15 nmoles per mg (dry weight). The content of cytochromeo inP. oleovorans increased by a factor of 4.5.P. oleovorans was not found to contain detectable quantities of cytochrome P-450 either in the presence or absence of the mixed function oxidase system.