The life style of Aureobasidium pullulans and the multiple forms of its polygalacturonase

The life style of Aureobasidium pullulans on pectin medium and its production of extracellular polygalacturonases are closely related. Polygalacturonases with random action pattern (EC 3.2.1.15) were formed in the first phases of cultivation, whereas exopolygalacturonases (EC 3.2.1.67) with terminal action pattern on pectin were produced during the whole growth of this yeast-like fungus. The production and inactivation of individual enzyme forms during cultivation were strongly dependent on the pH value of the pectin medium. Various kinds of stress can support the prolongation of the phase of endo-acting enzyme production, as well as the increase of their activity.