Multiple forms of alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes of Serratia marcescens

Alkaline phosphatase (APase) isoenzymes produced by different strains of Serratia marcescens were examined. Variation of isoenzyme patterns with respect to number and their mobilities in starch gels after electrophoresis were observed. Ten strains gave a 1-isoenzyme pattern with 5 different mobilities; 7 strains gave a 2-isoenzyme pattern with 3 different mobilities; 9 strains gave a 3-isoenzyme pattern with 5 different mobilities; and 3 strains gave a 4-isoenzyme pattern. Three strains synthesized two electrophoretically distinct APases in low phosphate medium. A high concentration of inorganic phosphate induced the synthesis of one of these APase isoenzymes.