title: Comparative evaluation of pectolytic and proteolytic enzyme production by free and immobilized cells of some strains of the phytopathogenic Erwinia chrysanthemi.
abstract: Whole cells of the phytopathogenic Erwinia chrysanthemi strains were immobilized in k-carrageenan and grown in high-calcium Xanthomonas campestris medium containing sodium polypectate as carbon source. All the strains used survived immobilization into k-carrageenan beads. Immobilized E. chrysanthemi strains displayed higher pectolytic and proteolytic enzyme activities than free cells in liquid suspension. Carrageenan immobilization techniques could provide a system to mimic the conditions of E. chrysanthemi cells in the infected plant tissue. This could prompt a thorough study of the factors governing the biosynthesis of virulence factors by this bacterium.
authors.affiliation: Environmental and Natural Products Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, P/B X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa.
authors.forename: N Y
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Muyima
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zamxaka
authors.forename: N T
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Mazomba
mesh_terms: D002351:Carrageenan; D018914:Cells, Immobilized; D003470:Culture Media; D016974:Dickeya chrysanthemi / Q000145:classification / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development*; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D011133:Polysaccharide-Lyases / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D002351:Carrageenan; D010450:Endopeptidases; D011133:Polysaccharide-Lyases; C023911:pectate lyase