Stimulation of Pectolytic Enzyme Formation of Erwinia aroideae by Nalidixic Acid, Mitomycin C and Bleomycin

Abstract

Pectolytic enzyme formation by whole cells of Erwinia aroideae was remarkably stimulated when nalidixic acid, mitomycin C or bleomycin, which are all known as inhibitors of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, was added to a culture medium. The enzyme formation required the presence of casein acid hydrolysate in the medium and was inhibited by chloramphenicol, indicating the involvement of de novo protein synthesis. The formation of pectolytic enzyme under such conditions occurred concomitant with or before cell lysis, suggesting the induction of bacteriophages. In fact, the enzyme formation was also induced by ultraviolet ray irradiation and the bacteriophage-like particles were observed in the cell lysate induced by mitomycin C.