Urea-hydrolyzing activity of a T-strain mycoplasma: Ureaplasma urealyticum

Abstract

The urea-hydrolyzing activity of a T-strain mycoplasma was studied in experiments using whole cells and cell-free enzyme preparations by measuring the release of 14CO2 from [14C]urea. Under the conditions used, the urea concentration optimum is approximately 5.6 .times. 10-3 M urea. The activity is soluble and not membrane bound. It is stable at -70.degree. C for several weeks but is more labile at higher temperatures. The pH optimum is 5.0-6.0. The effect of several inhibitors on the activity was tested and revealed similarities, as well as differences, between T-strain mycoplasma urease activity and the urease activity of other organisms and plants.