Changes in activity of certain enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the glyoxylate cycle during the initiation of conidiation of Aspergillus niger

The activities of certain enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the glyoxylate cycle (GLC) varied during growth of Aspergillus niger as a function of the stage of the life cycle and of the growth medium. Isocitrate dehydrogenase (carboxylating) and isocitrate lyase each showed a marked increase in activity prior to sporulation. There were no similar increases in vegetative cultures. It is proposed that isocitrate lyase is functional in glycine synthesis and that a source of glyoxylate may be indispensable to the expression of sporulation.