Characterization of the lytic activity of Psa-his. The lytic activity of Psa (1 U) against C. perfringens HN1314 was determined using the turbidity reduction assay. (a) Optimal pH of Psa-his. The relative activity at pH 6.0 was set as 1. (b) The effect of NaCl on Psa-his lytic activity was determined, and the relative activity at 300 mM NaCl was set as 1. (c) The effects of divalent metal cations on Psa-his lytic activity were determined by the addition of 1 mM MgCl2, CaCl2, MnCl2, ZnCl2, or EDTA. The relative activities are shown with activity in the absence of divalent cations (with 1 mM EDTA) set as 1. (d) The thermal-stability of Psa-his lytic activity was determined by measuring lytic activity after 10 min of heat treatment at 37, 45, 60, 75, and 100 °C. The relative activity at 37 °C was set as 1.