Rapid degradation of cyanuric acid by Sporothrix schenckii

Abstract

A strain of Sporothrix schenckii was isolated which rapidly degraded cyanuric acid. The specific rate of degradation amounted to 30 mg cyanuric acid × h⁻¹ × (g dry weight of cells)⁻¹. During growth the strain was able to utilize cyanuric acid as its sole nitrogen source, with a concomitant release of carbon as carbon dioxide. Resting cells degraded the compound to carbon dioxide and ammonia. The action of the degrading enzymes was induced primarily by cyanuric acid, whereas ammonia and biuret resulted in a reduction of the specific rate of cyanuric acid degradation.