LYTIC SYSTEMS IN LACTIC-ACID BACTERIA AND THEIR BACTERIOPHAGES

Lytic systems of lactic acid bacteria and their bacteriophages are rev iewed with an emphasis on molecular characterization. Details of enzym e biochemisrtry and the cloning and analysis of lytic genes are presen ted, with coverage of lactococcal prolate headed bacteriophages, lacto coccal isometric bacteriophages, Lactobacillus bacteriophages and lact ococcal autolysins. Some comments on the importance of autolysis in ch eese ripening are included and the biotechological exploitation of clo ned and characterized lyric genes is presented.