Autolysis ofBacillus subtilis by glucose depletion

In cultures in minimal medium, rapid lysis of cells ofBacillus subtilis was observed as soon as the carbon source, e.g. glucose, had been completely consumed. The cells died and ultraviolet-absorbing material was excreted in the medium. The results suggest that the cells lyse because of the presence of autolytic enzymes. In the presence of glucose the damage to the cell wall caused by these enzymes is repaired immediately.