[Identification of catalytically active groups in inulinase from Bacillus polymyxa 722]

Inulinase from Bacillus polymyxa 722 hydrolyzing a polyfructosan inulin was studied. The dependence of inulinase activity on pH, measurements of pK value, calculation of ionization heat, photoinactivation with methylene blue, and inhibition with p-chloromercuribenzoate suggest that the active center of this enzyme contains imidazole and sulfhydryl groups. A possible mechanism underlying cleavage of beta-2,1-fructoside bonds in the inulin molecule with inulinase is considered.