2 DISTINCT MOLECULAR-FORMS OF PHYTASE FROM KLEBSIELLA-AEROGENES - EVIDENCE FOR UNUSUALLY SMALL ACTIVE ENZYME PEPTIDE

The cell free extract from Klebsiella aerogenes could be resolved into two distinct fractions on DE-52, by isoelectrofocusing technique and on Sephadex G-200, one eluting in the void volume and th, other at the end of the column run. The molecular weight of the second peak was 10 -13 kDa and could possibly be a fragment of the native enzyme. The two species of the enzyme thus isolated differed in their K(m), pH optima , pl values and temperature sensitivity. Evidence is provided to show that low molecular weight enzyme is generated during isolation. This i s one of the rare instances where such a small fragment of enzyme pept ide retained a full complement of enzyme activity.