THE LYSIS OF BACILLUS MEGATHERIUM BY LYSOZYME

Abstract
Exposure of formolized B. megatherium to lysozyme results in increased permeability of the cell as evidenced by decreased staining intensity and a loss of cell turgidity. The bacteriolytic action of lysozyme proceeds more rapidly in the presence, than in the absence of, the autolytic enzymes, although each system can function independently. Lysozyme effects different morphologic changes in heat-killed as opposed to formolized cells.