Interaction between dimethylpyruvic acid and biotin with a mould

Abstract

The separation of dimethylpyruvic acid observed by Katsuki from the mould, Piricularia oryzae, with a deficiency of biotin, has been investigated. The formation of dimethylpyruvic acid does not depend on aeration. Addition of biotin leads to the absorption of dimethylpyruvic acid so that there is possibly a connection between the separation of this acid and the function of biotin. A method for the determination of dimethylpyruvic acid in the presence of pyruvic acid and α‐ketoglutaric acid has been worked out.