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[Extracellular nuclease of Bacillus mesentericus]
Biokhimiia (Moscow, Russia)
|April 1, 1976
Summary
Bacillus mesentericus secretes three nucleases that aid in nutrition. These enzymes break down external RNA and DNA, providing essential nitrogen and phosphorus for bacterial growth.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
Background:
- Bacillus mesentericus produces extracellular nucleases.
- Nucleases play roles in nucleic acid metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify and characterize nucleases from Bacillus mesentericus.
- To investigate the physiological functions of these extracellular nucleases.
Main Methods:
- Purification of alkaline ribonuclease, acidic ribonuclease, and Ca2+-activated exonuclease.
- Biochemical and physico-chemical characterization of the purified enzymes.
- Chromatographical analysis.
Main Results:
- Three types of nucleases were identified and purified: alkaline ribonuclease, acidic ribonuclease, and Ca2+-activated exonuclease.
- The purified nucleases exhibited properties similar to those from Bacillus subtilis.
- Extracellular nucleases enable bacteria to utilize exogenous RNA and DNA as sources of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular nucleases from Bacillus mesentericus are involved in bacterial nutrition.
- These enzymes facilitate the uptake of essential nutrients from external nucleic acids.