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. 1979 Sep;139(3):770–774. doi: 10.1128/jb.139.3.770-774.1979

Escherichia coli murein-DD-endopeptidase insensitive to beta-lactam antibiotics.

W Keck, U Schwarz
PMCID: PMC218021  PMID: 383691

Abstract

A novel endopeptidase degrading the peptide cross-links in sacculi has been isolated from Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 30,000 and, in contrast to already known enzymes of similar specificity, remains fully active in the presence of beta-lactam antibiotics. In addition, it is exceptional in being inhibited by single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and by some polynucleotides. The possible role of the enzyme in cell division is discussed.

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Selected References

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