On a Bacterial Enzyme which Specifically Decomposes O Substance

Abstract

1. We obtained from soil a bacterium containing an enzyme which decomposes neither A nor B group substance but only O substance (Eisler-Kagaya antigen). This bacterium was determined as Bacillus fulminans from its bacteriological characteristics. 2. The O substance decomposing enzyme produced by this bacillus is destroyed mostly by 5minutes heating at 60°C, and completely by 5 minutes heating at 70°C. The optimal pH of the enzyme action is 6.3-6.6, and the optimal temperature 30°C-37°C.