ROLE OF PROTEIN AND PHOSPHOLIPID IN THE GROWTH OF PLEUROPNEUMONIA-LIKE ORGANISMS

Abstract

A study was made to determine if a correlation existed between the ability of proteins and surface active agents to support growth and some other capacity of these types of compounds of performing some activity associated with the physiology of pleuropneumonia-like organisms. It was found that the ability of a protein to support growth appeared to correlate with its ability to regulate uptake of cholesterol by the cells. Proteins capable of supporting growth were all capable of neutralizing the lytic and growth inhibitory activity of surface active agents. Some proteins inactive for growth also possess this latter activity. No protein is taken up by the cells nor do the cells degrade it. The surface active agent required for growth functions by increasing the aqueous solubility of cholesterol. No significant degradation of phospholipids and long chain fatty acids was noted. Some incorporation of sodium oleate was noted.