Some Effects of Zinc on the Utilization of Nitrogen Sources by Monascus Purpureus

SUMMARY

Growth studies indicate that ammonium compounds are preferred inorganic nitrogen sources for Monascus purpureus, and that nitrites are better than nitrates. Each of several amino acids (e.g., glycine, leucine, valine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine) and urea were found equal or superior to ammonium salts as a sole source of nitrogen. The addition of zinc to the media resulted in increased growth regardless of the nitrogen source. The data presented indicate the involvement of zinc in interrelationships between carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism during growth.