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Published on: November 7, 2012
STUDIES ON BACTERIAL ENZYMES : VI. THE MALTASE OF THE DIPHTHERIA BACILLUS
J Y Sugg1, W L Fleming, J M Neill
1Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville.
Diphtheria bacilli contain an intracellular maltase enzyme that breaks down maltose. This enzyme
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Diphtheria bacilli are known pathogens.
- Understanding bacterial metabolism is crucial for controlling infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and activity of maltase in diphtheria bacilli.
- To determine if diphtheria bacilli can metabolize maltose.
Main Methods:
- Physical disintegration of bacterial cells to isolate intracellular substances.
- Assaying for maltase activity in sterile solutions.
- Detecting hexose products resulting from maltose breakdown.
Main Results:
- A heat-labile, endocellular maltase was identified in diphtheria bacilli.
- The isolated maltase retained activity in solution.
- Hexose products were detected, confirming maltose hydrolysis.
Conclusions:
- Diphtheria bacilli possess an active intracellular maltase.
- The bacterium utilizes maltose through preliminary hydrolysis, indicating a specific metabolic pathway.
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