INDUCTION OF GLYCANOLYTIC ACTIVITIES BY STREPTOMYCES SP QM-B814 GROWING ON DIFFERENT GLUCOPOLYMERS

The actinomycete Streptomyces sp. QM-B814 is able to use polymeric glu caris as sole carbon source by the induction of specific extracellular enzymatic systems. Carboxymethylcellulose and barley beta-glucan were the most effective inducers of endoglucanase activities towards beta- (1,4) and mixed beta-(1,3)-(1,4) linkages. Avicelase activity was indu ced by Avicel and carboxymethylcellulose. The higher activity towards filter paper (cellulase) was measured in cultures growing in Avicel, c arboxymethylcellulose, and barley beta-glucan. Laminarinase activity w as induced only by laminarin and lichenan failed to induce significant activity levels against any of the substrates tested.