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. 1976 Jun;126(3):1186–1193. doi: 10.1128/jb.126.3.1186-1193.1976

Mechanism of autolysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

B H Hebeler, F E Young
PMCID: PMC233143  PMID: 7545

Abstract

The major autolysin(s) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae was solubilized from envelopes by extraction with 2% Triton X-100 containing 0.5 M NaCl. Neither Triton X-100 nor NaCl alone could effectively release the autolysin(s). The major autolysin is N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine amidase (EC 3.5.1.28). The pH optimum for this reaction was broad, ranging from 5.5 to 8.5. Optimal hydrolysis of peptidoglycan occurred in 2% Triton X-100 in 0.1 M KCl. Attempts to purify the autolysin were unsuccessful. A rapid assay for enzyme activity was developed using radioactive cell walls as a substrate ([3H]diaminopimelic acid).

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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