Studies on the Proteolytic Enzymes of Thermophilic Streptomyces Part II

Identification of the Organism and Some Conditions of Protease Formation

Abstract

Taxonomical characteristics of a thermophilic streptomycete which had been reported to produce a relatively thermostable proteinase were examined, and it was found to belong to a variety of Streptomyces rectus for which the name Streptomyces rectus var. proteolyticus was suggested. Some cultural conditions for proteinase formation by this strain were investigated. The formation of proteinase was greatly stimulated by the addition of Mn and affected by the composition of medium. The proteinase formation occurred during the stationary phase of growth at 50°C, while intracellular peptidase was formed in early logarithmic phase. No presence of precursor of the proteinase was suggested.