ACETYL ESTERASE IN BACILLUS CEREUS SPORES

Abstract

The paucity of data on esterase activity in intact, dormant spores encouraged further examination of Bacillus cereus spores with more sensitive fluorescent methods. Esterase activities of intact and ballistically ruptured spore preparations against α-naphtyl acetate and fluorescein diacetate in phosphate and carbonate buffers were compared. Enzyme inhibition with toluene and molybdate was also inspected. It was found that intact spores and the supernatant from ruptured spores readily hydrolyzed both acetate substrates. Toluene caused approximately an 80% inhibition, whereas that with molybdate was complete. It was suggested that esterase activity in bacterial spores varies with species.