title: Enzymatic extraction and spectral analysis of the chromophore from cell walls of nutritionally deficient streptococci.
abstract: We demonstrated by spectral analysis a method to enzymatically cleave the chromophore precursor from nutritionally deficient streptococcal cell walls by treatment with lysozyme. The peak absorbances without and with lysozyme pretreatment were 511.4 +/- 2.02 nm and 513.1 +/- 0.69 nm, respectively. Extraction yields varied among strains and were found to be growth phase dependent. A secondary peak of absorbance (mean of 477 nm) was found in only five of eight strains. The chromophore at a neutral pH undergoes a reaction with phenol consistent with that of a furan, indicating its carbohydrate composition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois 60153.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Libertin
mesh_terms: D002473:Cell Wall / Q000032:analysis; D002863:Chromogenic Compounds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009113:Muramidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000032:analysis* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D002863:Chromogenic Compounds; D009113:Muramidase