Open AccessProduction of laminarinase and alginase by marine bacteria after starvation
Author(s) -
Davis C.L.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1992.tb04827.x
Subject(s) - laminarin , bacteria , enzyme , inducer , marine bacteriophage , biochemistry , biology , chloramphenicol , yeast , starvation , microbiology and biotechnology , enzyme inducer , mannitol , chemistry , antibiotics , gene , genetics , endocrinology
Abstract Laminarinase and alginase activities in marine Vibrio strains were examined during nutrient and energy starvation. Spectrophotometric assays indicated that the bacteria were able to induce the enzymes on addition of laminarin and alginate, even after periods of prolonged starvation (up to 8 months). De novo protein synthesis was responsible for enzyme induction, as shown by experiments with chloramphenicol. Mannitol partially repressed the synthesis of the enzymes. Alginate had no effect on laminarinase induction, whereas laminarin did affect the induction of alginase. Addition of peptone and yeast extract allowed more rapid induction of the enzymes. Cells grown in the presence of inducer substrates and then starved maintained measurable enzyme levels for a week or longer. The results show that the bacteria may play a role in utilisation of polymeric carbohydrates in the marine environment, even after periods of nutrient deprivation.