Effect of low pH on thiomethyl-beta-D-galactoside uptake by Streptococcus lactis

Maximal beta-galactosidase activity in Streptococcus lactis was obtained at pH 7, but the maximal rate of thiomethyl-beta-d-galactoside uptake was observed at pH 3.6 to 4. It is concluded that the decrease in beta-galactosidase activity in intact cells at lowered pH is not due to diminished transport of beta-galactoside.