PROTEINASE PRODUCTION IN RELATION TO GROWTH OF A MICROCOCCUS SPECIES

Abstract

Production of proteinase(s) by a Micrococcus sp. (A.T.C.C. No. 407) in general was related to the amount of growth. However, addition of 2% sodium chloride to tryptone yeast extract broth resulted in an apparent stimulation of proteinase production without an increase in growth. The salt apparently protected the enzyme since it was found that proteinase preparations were inactivated less rapidly in the presence than in the absence of salt. Although the organism did not require carbohydrate for growth, it utilized maltose but not glucose or other carbohydrates. In the presence of maltose, growth and proteinase production were stimulated. The organism produced proteinase on a minimal synthetic medium containing glutamic acid as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen.