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Staphylococcal lipase: intracellular enzyme production.
Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie, Mikrobiologie, Und Hygiene. Series A, Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Virology, Parasitology
|December 1, 1983
Summary
This study reveals the presence of intracellular lipase in staphylococci, an enzyme previously unconfirmed. This lipolytic activity appears in later culture phases, indicating a novel aspect of staphylococcal metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Enzymology
- Bacterial Physiology
Background:
- Staphylococci are known to secrete extracellular lipase.
- The existence of intracellular lipase in staphylococci has not been previously established.
- Lipases are crucial enzymes involved in lipid metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential presence and activity of intracellular lipase in staphylococci.
- To characterize the conditions under which intracellular lipase activity is detected.
Main Methods:
- Lysostaphin digestion of staphylococcal cell walls to liberate cellular contents.
- Assay of lipolytic activity in cellular extracts from staphylococci at different growth phases.
- Monitoring enzyme levels over a 3-day culture period.
Main Results:
- Lipolytic activity was detected in cellular content released from staphylococcal cells.
- Intracellular lipase activity was observed only in living staphylococcal cells.
- The enzyme was not detected in young bacterial cells but appeared rapidly in the late culture phase, peaking on day 3.
- No intracellular accumulation followed by extracellular liberation of lipase was observed.
Conclusions:
- This study provides evidence for the existence of intracellular lipase in staphylococci.
- Staphylococcal intracellular lipase activity is associated with specific growth phases, primarily the late phase.
- The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of staphylococcal lipase production and function.