PRODUCTION AND REGULATION OF A THERMOSTABLE PROTEASE BY PSEUDOMONAS SP B45

A Pseudomonas sp. produced an extracellular thermostable protease whic h required induction by peptone. Growth of the organism and the produc tion of protease was optimum at 30-degrees-C. The enzyme was subjected to catabolite repression by glucose. Both chloramphenicol and rifamyc in completely abolished protease production indicating de novo synthes is of the enzyme. Leucine, lysine, histidine and glycine enhanced the protease production considerably and they were the most effective when added during the active period of production. Glucose repression coul d not be relieved by addition of leucine.