Cell structure and enzymic activity

Abstract

Cytolysis often results in the loss of activity of certain enzymes. Since cytolysis involves dilution, and dilution results in inactivation of those enzymes in which a coenzyme plays a part, it was thought possible that the loss of bacterial de-hydrogenase activity on lysis might be due to dilution and the consequent "washing out" of the coenzyme. However, the decrease in activity of the glucose dehydrogenase of Bact. coli by freezing and thawing, and of the glucose and lactic dehydrogenases of Micrococcus lysodeikticus by lysis with egg white, are not restored by the addition of the coenzyme necessary for their action. In these instances the enzymes appear to be linked in some way with the structure of the cell.