MICROBIOLOGY Textbook - 2012

CHAPTER 9. PHYSIOLOGY OF MICROORGANISMS

9.4. INCOMPLETE OXIDATION

Most aerobic microorganisms oxidize Organic compounds to CO2 and H2O through Respiration. However, when partially oxidized organic compounds are released as metabolic byproducts, the process is referred to as incomplete oxidation. The End products of incomplete oxidation may include acetic, citric, fumaric, succinic, oxalic, lactic, and other organic acids.

9.4.1. Production of Acetic Acid by Acetic Acid Bacteria

Acetic acid Bacteria are capable of producing acids via the incomplete oxidation of sugars or alcohols. These bacteria are strict aerobes and exhibit high resistance to acidic environments. They derive their energy by oxidizing primary alcohols into their corresponding Fatty acids: ethanol is oxidized to acetic acid, and propanol to propionic acid:

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Some acetic acid bacteria, grouped within the genus Gluconobacter, oxidize ethanol only as far as acetic acid, and glucose to gluconic acid. A typical representative of this group is Gluconobacter oxydans. The second group comprises bacteria capable of completely oxidizing organic substrates to CO2 and H2O. In this case, acetic acid appears merely as an intermediate metabolite; once the initial substrate is depleted, the acetic acid is further oxidized via the TCA cycle. Bacteria of this group belong to the genus Acetobacter, with Acetobacter aceti as the type species.

Acetic acid bacteria are utilized in the microbiological industry for table vinegar production and in ascorbic acid manufacturing at the stage where sorbitol is oxidized to sorbose.



Last update: 13/08/2026

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