| Abstract: | Bacillus mesentericus is found to secrete three type of nucleases: alkaline ribonuclease (EC 2.7.7.17), acidic ribonuclease (EC 2.7.7.17) and Ca2+-activated exonucleease (EC 3.1.4.7). These nucleases are purified and characterized. They are similar to those from Bac. subtilis in main biochemical and physico-chemical properties and in their chromatographical behaviour. Studying physiological functions of Bac. mesentericus extracellular nucleases, it is shown that bacteria, which are capable to produce extracellular nucleases, utilize exogenous RNAs and a bit worse, DNAs as a single and additional source of nitrogen or phosphorus. In view of this it is believed that extracellular nucleases participate in bacteria nutrition. |
