Enzymic adaptation in Clostridium histolyticum

Abstract

Several examples of enzymatic adaptation in the proteinase of C. histolyticum were described. By changing the pH of the culture medium it was possible to change the pH optimum of the secreted proteinase. By repeatedly subculturing the bacteria on gelatin or casein media, enzymes were finally obtained which hydrolyzed casein but not gelatin and vice versa. The mechanism of bacterial enzyme formation was discussed.