Effect of Disinfectants and of Surface Active Agents on Bacterial Protoplasts

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Abstract
The spherical transformation of Bacillus megaterium protoplasts, which occurs parallel with lysozyme digestion of the cell wall, depends upon the intactness of the protoplasts. Coagulation or denaturation of the cytoplasmic membrane and of the cytoplasm suspends the lysozyme-induced spherical transformation of the bacterial protoplasts. This reaction can be used to demonstrate the direct effect of disinfectants on the protoplasts. Phenol, K permanganate, sugar solution, acids, and alkalies, as well as bactericidal cationic and anionic surface active agents directly damage the protoplasts. Mercuric chloride, Merthiolate, Merphen and formaldehyde do not elicit a similar effect. This reaction is recommended for testing whether or not a substance with antibacterial activity denatures the protoplasts.