[Determination of the carbamate kinase activity of bacteria]

The activity of carbamate kinase (EC 2.5.2.2) was determined in bacteria using a simple modified procedure. Carbamoyl phosphate produced under the action of carbamate kinase carbamoylated ammonia in a reaction which was not enzyme-catalyzed yielding urea that was assayed by the colorimetric technique. The activity of carbamate kinase was found by this method in a number of microorganisms. The method can be used to study other enzymes synthesizing carbamoyl phosphate. The advantages of the method over other techniques are discussed.