Release of extracellular enzymes from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens

Washed-cell suspensions of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens secrete significant amounts of the extracellular enzymes alpha-amylase and protease for about 15 min in the almost complete absence of protein synthesis. This apparently represents release of preformed enzyme en route to secretion. The release was independent of energy but was affected by temperature. Pulse-labeling experiments showed that newly synthesized enzyme molecules are either immediately released into the external medium or equilibrate with the preformed enzyme prior to eventual secretion. The results are compatible with a model of secretion whereby enzyme molecules emerging from the cell membrane become temporarily restricted by the cell wall so that a small pool of active enzyme accumulates in this region.