SYNTHESIS AND SECRETION OF INVERTASE IN RELATION TO THE GROWTH OF MYROTHECIUM VERRUCARIA

Abstract

Invertase is secreted by spores of the fungus Myrothecium ver-rucaria during germination in a sucrose-yeast medium. Within 3 hours after suspension in the medium, a 3.5-fold increase in invertase is observed, about 60% of which is found in the medium. The secretion occurs from growing cells and appears to be closely related to synthesis and growth as indicated by effects of pH, temperature, and inhibitors. The properties of the secreted enzyme indicate it to be similar to that of the intact spores. The surface location of the enzyme in the spores is believed to be of significance to the mechanism of secretion.