Abstract
The kinetic properties of Escherichia coli glutamine synthetase are markedly influenced by the manner in which the organism is grown. Enzyme obtained from stationary-phase cells grown on glycerol and glutamate is strongely inhibited by each of the eight feedback effectors known to influence this enzyme; however, the enzyme from log-phase cells grown on glucose and growth-limiting concentrations of NH4Cl is stimulated by some of these effectors. Of the growth variables examined, nitrogen source and time of harvest were the most important; carbon source and aeration seemed to have no effect. Two purified enzyme preparations have been obtained from cells grown under two different conditions, designated enzymes I and II for convenience. Enzyme I is stimulated by adenosine 5′-monophosphate, histidine, and tryptophan in the transfer assay, whereas enzyme II is strongly inhibited by all effectors tested. Enzyme I has a higher specific activity in the forward assay in the presence of Mg++ or Co++, whereas enzyme II is more active in the presence of Mn++.

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