Detection of nuclease activity in semisolid and broth cultures.
A method for the detection of deoxyribonuclease activity in semisolid agar cultures was investigated. When cultures were overlaid with an acridine orangedeoxyribonucleate-agar (ADA) mixture, incubated for 1 to 3 hr, and observed under ultraviolet light, clear halos developed around colonies that produced deoxyribonuclease. A variation of the method for use with broth cultures involved impregnation of filter-paper discs with a small portion of the culture and overlaying the discs with the ADA mixture. This alteration has the advantage that the test tube cultures are easily heat-treated prior to assay to determine the heat resistance of the enzyme.
D000166:Acridines; D001407:Bacillus / Q000201:enzymology; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D003470:Culture Media; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases / Q000032:analysis*; D005453:Fluorescence; D008722:Methods; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000201:enzymology; D012706:Serratia marcescens / Q000201:enzymology; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000201:enzymology
D000166:Acridines; D003470:Culture Media; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases