Intracellular Lipase Formation by Washed Mycelium

Biochemical Studies on Sclerotinia Libertiana. Part 13

Abstract

1. The mycelium of Sclerotinia harvested within a day after sugar was exhausted in the medium of its shaking culture, which was found to be the most favourable physiological condition for preparing the washed mycelium for the experiment of lipase formation.
2. In the experiment with washed mycelium, although various sugars and other carbon sources caused remarkable inhibition to the lipase formation olive oil had no influence. Cyanide had no effect, 2, 4-dinitrophenol, p-chloromercuric benzoate and monoiodoacetate displayed inhibitory action. Surface active agents such as bile-powder, silicon oil and lecithin, and some enzyme preparations, particularly the extract of dry mycelial powder of Sclerotinia itself accelerated enzyme formation.
3. The rate of lipase formation proceeded in proportional to that of fat consumption of the mycelium.
The authors wish to express their thanks to Prof. I. Yamasaki for his careful revision, Prof. J. Fukumoto for his encouragement and to Mr. N. Yoshizu, Director of Osaka Bacteriological Research Institute for his helpful support. They are also indebted to Mr. K. Tomoda for his assistance in part of the experiments.