The anaerobic reduction of ferric citrate by Shewanella putrefaciens MR-1 cells was inhibited markedly by p-chloromercuriphenylsulphonate, moderately by potassium cyanide, and to a small extent by 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinolone-N-oxide. Iron reduction was accompanied by increases in total cellular protein, with values of 0.33-7.54 g cell protein produced per mol Fe(III) reduced. The growth yields were dependent upon the growth conditions of the inoculum and the initial concentration of Fe(III) citrate in the medium. Specifically, maximum growth yields were obtained when the inoculum was pregrown anaerobically and when the initial Fe(III) citrate concentrations were 5-10 mmol l-1. Lower growth yields were obtained with initial Fe(III) citrate concentrations of 20-30 mmol l-1, suggesting that cell growth was partially inhibited by higher concentrations of Fe(III) or Fe(II). Maximal growth yields were also observed early (6-24 h), after which continued increases in cell protein were minimal.