Abstract
Summary
Filtrates from pure cultures of a marine bacterial species contain a proteolytic enzyme which rapidly hydrolyzes denatured hemoglobin. Enzymatic activity after 54 to 56 hours of growth is so high that culture filtrates must be diluted for accurate assay even with short reaction periods. The enzyme system has optimum activity at pH 8. is activated by Co++ and Zn++ ions, and is inhibited by Fe-++, Hg++, and Cu++ ions. Disulfide linkages appear to be required for activity. since reducing agents inhibit activity and p-chloromercuribenzoate is without effect. The enzyme is highly active at 48†C during incubation periods to 40 minutes, but temperatures above 50°C reduce activity even at shorter incubation periods. Heating at 70°C for 7.5 minutes before assay reduces enzyme activity to one-half of original.
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