THE CYSTEINE DESULPHYDRASE OF PSEUDOMONAS SALINARIA

Abstract
Cells of Pseudomonas salinaria contain a cysteine desulphydrase which, like the corresponding enzyme of Escherichia coli, decomposes cysteine to hydrogen sulphide, pyruvic acid, and ammonia in the presence of pyridoxal phosphate. Unlike the enzyme of E. coli, the enzyme of P. salinaria requires high concentrations of potassium chloride for maximum activity. The enzyme is present in cells grown in media containing 15 to 30% sodium chloride.