Types of respiratory activity in Moniliella tomentosa during growth under different conditions.

The osmophilic yeastlike fungus Moniliella tomentosa is an obligate aerobe and is not susceptible to glucose repression. Respiration is greatest in exponentially growing cells and is then highly sensitive to cyanide. Respiration in older cells or in chloramphenicol-grown cells is mediated by a cyanide-insensitive respiration which is sensitive to salicyl hydroxamic acid. Growth of cells under reduced oxygen does not influence the respiratory capacity of the cells but results in a longer generation time and a lower final cell yield. Low aeration levels and growth in the presence of chloramphenicol have a profound effect on ethanol and polyol production.