STABILIZATION OF PROTOPLASTS AND SPHEROPLASTS BY SPERMINE AND OTHER POLYAMINES

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Abstract
Spermine (10-3 M) of spermidine prevents lysis of lysozyme-produced protoplasts of Escherichia coli W, E. coli B and Micrococcus lysodeidticus in hypotonic media. Spheroplasts prepared by the action of penicillin are also stabilized by these concentrations of spermine and spermidine, but the protection is not as complete. Streptomycin, poly-lysine and Ca++ are also effective or partially effective stabilizers; but 1,4-diamino-butane, 1,5-diaminopentane, ornithine, Mg++ and monovalent cations have no protective action at 10-3 M concentration and only a slight effect at higher concentrations. The osmotic stability conferred on protoplasts by spermine is irreversible. However, the protective effect of poly-amines against lysis is not accompanied by restoration of viability to lysozyme protoplasts. There is a marked reduction in the loss of ultra-violet-absorbing material from the protoplasts to the medium when 10-3 M spermine is present.

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