Effects of sonication and growth temperature on the cytochrome oxidase activity of Bacillus species
Liu, J.K.; Hsu, C.H.
Zhonghua Minguo Wei Sheng Wu Ji Mian Yi Xue Za Zhi 22(4): 249-260
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-2662 PMID: 2561557 Document Number: 332080
The cytochrome oxidase activity of Bacillus strains was analyzed quantitatively by colorimetric N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) oxidase assay. Twenty six type strains were readily grouped, the oxidase positive, the oxidase negative, and the oxidase indeterminate groups. TMPD-dependent oxidase activities for whole cells and sonicated cells were compared. Spectral absorbance analyses of membrane fraction showed that all 26 Bacillus type strains contained the o-type cytochrome oxidase; 19 strains contained cytochrome a+a3 and among which 5 strains contained cytochromed. All of the 10 thermophilic Bacillus strains, which were predominantly oxidase positive, exhibited maximum oxidase activity when grown at optimum temperature (65.degree. C). The other three "caldo-active" thermophiles exhibited maximum oxidase activities when grown at their optimum temperatures, 70.degree. C to 80.degree. C. Mesophilic B. cereus and B. subtilis exhibited maximum oxidase activity in cells grown at 42.degree. C and 55.degree. C, respectively. In no case did growth temperature induced oxidase negative strains to exhibit an oxidase positive reaction, and vice versa.