MICROBIAL DECOMPOSITION OF PECTIC SUBSTANCES-IV Bacteria Decomposing Pectin with particular reference to some Xanthomonas sp.

Abstract

Out of the 313 bacterial cultures surveyed for pectinolytic activity 70 were found pectinolytic. The enzymes make-up of these pectinolytic bacteria consisted generally of polygalacturonase, pectin rnethylestrase and trans-eliminase systems. All the bacterial pectinases were found to be adaptive in nature.

A hitherto unknown mode of attack on the polygalacturonate by Xanthomonas pectinase is suspected in as much as a reducing substance(s) other than ID-galacturonic acid is formed in this system. Some studies regarding the growth of the Xanthomonas sp. and elaboration and inhibition of pectinase produced by it were also carried out.