EXTRACELLULAR ENZYMES FROM STRAINS OF SORANGIUM

Abstract

Soil organisms belonging to the myxobacter group and predatory on molds, yeasts, nematodes, and streptomycetes as well as on a wide range of bacteria elaborate at least two extracellular enzymes: a protease and a lysin. The protease hydrolyzes casein and haemoglobin and is inactive against bacterial cell walls while the lysin hydrolyzes bacterial cell walls but is inactive on proteins. These enzymes have been separated on hydroxylapatite columns and some of their properties are described. The predatory action of many of the isolates may be explained by the secretion and subsequent action of these two enzymes.