抄録
The protease activities of sediments were assayed at 22 sites in the Kamo Estuary Tideland. The contour map of the activities showed spots of high activity located in two habitat areas for Uca lactea and Sargassum fulvellum. Electrophoretic analysis showed that each site contained several proteases. The electrophoretic profile of proteases differed among sampling sediments, except those obtained from the habitat area of Zostera japonica, which showed high degrees of similarity in protease composition.
Statistical analysis indicated that the protease activity was correlated with the concentrations of organic carbon and nitrogen in the tideland sediments. Loading of sediments with serum albumin as a protein substrate induced marked enhancement of protease activities. The addition of soluble starch or oleic acid did not cause activation of proteases. The activation of proteases by protein loading is more effective under aerobic conditions than anaerobic conditions. Electrophoretic analysis clearly indicated the presence of specific protease bands induced by protein loading of the sediments. The active bands were more intense under aerobic conditions than an-aerobic conditions. These results suggest that protein loading stimulates the secretion of proteases by certain microorganisms.
