Enzymic synthesis ofL-Lysine fromDL-α-Amino-ε-caprolactam by new microbial strains

The production of L-lysine fromDL-α-amino-ε-caprolactam (DL-ACL) by new strains producingL-α-amino-ε-caprolactamase and aminocaprolactam racemase is described. Optimal conditions for hydrolysis ofL-ACL byCryptococcus sp. and for racemization of ACL by cells of a strain isolated in nature and identified asPseudomonas sp. were determined. Synthesis ofL-α-amino-ε-caprolactamase is induced byDL-ACL orL-lysine with the same effectivity. A positive effect of phosphates (potassium salts) on reduction of the induction lag was detected, the synthesis of this enzyme was found to be repressed by glucose and some possibilities of the reversion of this repressive effect were demonstrated. Under conditions optimal for the production of both enzymes a quantitative theoretical conversion of 10 % aqueousDL-ACL toL-lysine by a mixture of native cells in a mass ratio of 1: 2 (producer of ACL-hydrolase to producer of ACL-racemase) occurred in 8 h at 40 °C and pH 8.0     

Effect of precursors on biosynthesis of monensins A and B

Precursors of monensins (acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate) affect the total production and the relative proportion of monensins A and B. Addition of propionate into the fermentation medium causes a prevalence of monensin B whereas butyrate and isobutyrate stimulate the production of monensin A and suppress the production of monensin B.     

Nomenclatural remarks on the association names ofNardus stricta-rich communities in Central Europe

The present paper gives comments on the nomenclature of associations ofNardetalia andNardo-Caricion rigidae from Central Europe. A brief list of important homonyms and ambiguous names is added.     

Effect of detergents on aspartate ammonia-lyase activity inEscherichia alcalescens

The effect of twelve detergents on aspartate ammonia-lyase activity of Escherichia alcalescens used for the production of L-aspartic acid was tested. Best permeabilization was found with Triton X-100, Slovafol 910 and Corona, a mixed commercial preparation. In contrast to Triton X-100 and Slovafol 910, a much narrower range of suitable concentrations was observed with Corona.     

Benzothiazolium salts—relationships between their structure,toxicity and effect on the plastid system ofEuglena gracilis

The effects of 41 benzothiazolium salts on Euglena gracilis were characterized with regard to the influence on growth and on chlorophyll synthesis, and to their ability to induce permanent loss of chloroplasts. Some salts induced white mutants of E. gracilis (the first benzothiazole derivatives with this activity). The relationship between the biological effect and chemical structure was confirmed and expressed quantitatively by means of Free - Wilson and Fujita - Ban analysis.     

Glutamicin CBII,a bacteriocin-like substance produced by

Corynebacterium glutamicum CBII, in the stationary phase of growth, was found to produce spontaneously a substance resembling bacteriocins by its bactericidal properties. This substance designated glutamicin CBII was observed to exhibit bactericidal activity against coryneform bacteria (12 species tested) but not against unrelated gram-positive (3) and gram-negative (3) bacteria, while its action on bacteria with no quite known relatedness to the coryneform group (14) was found to be variable. Glutamicin CBII was partially purified by precipitation with ammonium sulphate (70% saturation), selective heat precipitation and gel chromatography on Sepadex G-50. The antibacterial substance diffused through cellophane membrane with an approximate cut-off of 10000 dalton and its sedimentation coefficient was determined to be 1.1. S by ultracentrifugation. Heating at 100°C for 30 min had no effect on its activity. Glutamicin CBII was proved to be resistant to chloroform, trypsin, chymotrypsin, pronase, and subtilisin. According to its staining behaviour and ¹H NMR spectra it probably represents a glycoprotein containing only a minor protein component.

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