PROPERTIES OF AN ENZYME SYSTEM DEGRADING ENDOGENOUS PHOSPHOLIPIDS OF TETRAHYMENA PYRIFORMIS

SYNOPSIS. Tetrahymena pyriformis contains a potent system of lipolytic enzymes which is activated by disruption of the cells. The extent to which endogenous lipids of the homogenate are degraded depends upon the age of the culture and the strain of T. pyriformis used. In their most active form, the enzymes can hydrolyze nearly 60% of the endogenous phospholipids within one hour at room temperature. The products of this reaction are probably responsible for the frequently reported instability of Tetrahymena enzyme systems in vitro. The use of inhibitors and the careful choice of culture conditions can reduce lipid degradation to a negligible level. Copyright © 1969, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved