Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 1979-06-06

The solubilisation of the membrane-bound D-alanyl-D-alanine carboxypeptidase of Bacillus coagulans NCIB 9365.

H A McArthur, P E Reynolds

Index: Biochim. Biophys. Acta 568(2) , 395-407, (1979)

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Abstract

Protoplast membranes and the particulate D,D-carboxypeptidase of Bacillus coagulans NCIB 9365 were extremely resistant to disruption by either detergents or urea. A combination of urea and the non-ionic detergent Genapol X-100 was required to achieve a significant solubilisation of membrane protein and D,D-carboxypeptidase in an active form; the pH optimum for this treatment was pH 7.5. Solubilisation of the enzyme was accompanied by a two-fold enhancement of activity. Kinetic results indicated that the enhancement may be due to an alteration in the conformation of the enzyme following disruption of membrane structure.