[Serine proteinase with lytic properties]

A thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis strain can synthesize extracellular serine proteinase, which is similar to subtilisin of the Carlsberg type in its amino acid composition, the specificity of its action, the character of its inhibition by certain compounds and immunochemical properties, but differs from the latter in its greater thermostability and in the ability to cause lysis of Gram-negative bacteria and yeast living cells.