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Release of Surface Enzymes in Enterobacteriaceae by Osmotic Shock

^a Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032

ABSTRACT

The process of osmotic shock, which has been used to release degradative enzymes from Escherichia coli, can be applied successfully to other members of the Enterobacteriaceae. Cyclic phosphodiesterase (3'-nucleotidase), 5'-nucleotidase (diphosphate sugar hydrolase), acid hexose phosphatase, and acid phenyl phosphatase are released from Shigella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, and Serratia strains. Some strains of Salmonella also release these enzymes. Members of Proteus and Providencia groups fail to release enzymes when subjected to osmotic shock and do not show a lag in regrowth, although they do release their acid-soluble nucleotide pools. In contrast to E. coli, release of enzymes from other members of the Enterobacteriaceae studied is affected by growth conditions and strain of organism. None of the organisms was as stable to osmotic shock in exponential phase of growth as was E. coli. Exponential-phase cells of Shigella, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter could be shocked only with 0.5 mM MgCl₂ to prevent irreparable damage to the cells. These observations suggest that this group of degradative enzymes is probably loosely bound to the cytoplasmic membrane through the mediation of divalent cations.

¹ Career scientist of the New York Health Research Council.

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