EFFECT OF CERTAIN NUTRIENTS ON THE PRODUCTION OF DEXTRANSUCRASE FROM LEUCONOSTOC-MESENTEROIDES NRRL B-512F

The effects of certain nutrients on dextransucrase (sucrose: 1,6-alpha -D-glucan 6-alpha-D-glucosyltransferase EC 2.4.1.5) production from Le uconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512F were studied. An increase in conce ntration of sucrose to 4% in the enzyme production medium resulted in the increase of activity of dextransucrase. Higher enzyme yields were obtained at low yeast extract and high phosphate concentrations. The p resence of peptone and beef extract in the medium in addition to 2% ye ast extract resulted in an enhanced production of dextranscucrase. The enzyme activity increased by 30% by both peptone and beef extract. Ad dition of Tween 80 to the medium enhanced the production of enzyme and the activity was increased by 25%. Magnesium ions stimulated the acti vity marginally. Sodium fluoride enhanced the activity of dextransucra se by 25%.