Effect of the pH on the degree of autolysis of Aspergillus niger

Abstract
The effect of pH on the degree of autolysis of cultures of Aspergillus niger autolysed at different pH values has been studied. In each experiment the fungus was grown in a chemically defined medium until autolysis commenced. At that time the pH was adjusted to values of 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 and automatically controlled at that pH throughout the autolytic period. A positive correlation (r = 0.77) between pH and the degree of autolysis was found. Linear regression analysis indicated that the data were fitted by a line of slope 2.53 and an ordinate intercept of 41.83.