A derivative of
Zymomonas mobilis ATCC 10988 has been isolated from cells treated with acridine orange. This derived strain, designated
CU1, was found to have markedly decreased ethanol production and concomitant glucose utilisation capabilities when grown on high concentrations of glucose. Additionally, it was found that
CU1 had altered alcohol dehydrogenase activity and also lacks at least one of the natural plasmids of
Z.mobilis, the 3kb species.