[Endo-N-acetylglucosaminidase formed by Streptomyces levoris]

Endo-N-acetylglucoseaminidase (EC 3.2.1.30) was prepared from the cultural broth of Streptomyces levoris 96 using precipitation with ammonium sulfate, gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 and ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The isoelectric point of the enzyme is 4.2 Str. levoris produces various quantities of the enzyme depending on the composition of the growth medium. A medium in which the enzyme is produced in maximal amounts has been selected. The effect of peptidoglycan, cell walls and chitin added to the medium on the enzyme biosynthesis was studied. Chitin induced biosynthesis of the enzyme by 35--45%.