Adenosine triphosphatase of mycobacteria

A Mg+2-(Ca+2)-activated adenosine triphosphatase activity has been demonstrated in saprophytic, human pathogenic and non-pathogenic, and atypical, species of mycobacteria. (Na+ + K+)-activated adenosine triphosphatase was absent in the species investigated. The effect of age of culture on enzyme activity was revealed in an increase up to mid logarithmic phase of growth, and a decline thereafter. Differences in oxygen tensin during growth did not alter enzyme activity. Isonicotinic acid hydrazide and streptomycin inhibited the enzyme activity.