The maltophosphorylase of beer lactobacilli

Abstract

During the growth of 6 strains of beer lactobacilli on maltose, glucose accumulated in the medium. Cell-free extracts of L 1, a strain which grew readily only on maltose, contained a maltophosphorylase, catalyzing the reversible reaction. The enzymically prepared sugar phosphate resembled authentic and synthetic samples of [beta]-glucose 1-phosphate in physical properties, infrared spectrum and in its enzymic behavior. Maltophosphorylase was without phosphorolytic action on a-D-glucose 1-phosphate. The preparation and some properties of [beta]-glucose 1-phosphate (dipotassium salt) are described.