Chapter 18, Problem 24P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason that most of the bacteria that require isoleucine for their growth also require valine. The enzyme or the reaction that could be defective in the mutant requiring only isoleucine for the growth.

Concept introduction:

The bacteria requiring the amino acid isoleucine also requires another amino acid valine for its growth. Both of these amino acids are synthesized from the same precursor. This common precursor for both the isoleucine and valine is (S) − 3 − methyl − 2 − oxobutanoate.