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. 1977 Oct;18(1):210–219. doi: 10.1128/iai.18.1.210-219.1977

Cell envelope of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: relationship between autolysis in buffer and the hydrolysis of peptidoglycan.

W S Wegener, B H Hebeler, S A Morse
PMCID: PMC421215  PMID: 20406

Abstract

Neisseria gonorrhoeae readily underwent autolysis when suspended in N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) buffer at alkaline pH values. Autolysis was inhibited by the addition of Mg2+ or other divalent cations. Autolysis was also suppressed at acid pH (pH 6.0). Suspension of cells in buffer was accompanied by the hydrolysis of peptidoglycan. The rate of peptidoglycan hydrolysis in HEPES buffer was maximal at pH 8.5 and was similar in the presence or absence of Mg2+. Therefore, divalent cation stabilization against autolysis is not mediated by inhibition of peptidoglycan hydrolysis. Peptidoglycan hydrolysis occurred in HEPES buffer (pH 6.0), but at a rate that was 50% of the maximum. Incubation of cells with chloramphenicol or rifampin before suspension in HEPES buffer (pH 8.5) partially prevented autolysis; under these conditions, peptidoglycan hydrolysis still occurred, but at a reduced rate. Old and new peptidoglycans were hydrolyzed at similar rates. Peptidoglycan hydrolysis results in solubilization of both the peptide and glycan moieties.

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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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