On the regulation of cyclic AMP level in bacteria. II. In vitro regulation of adenylate cyclase activity. Solubilization and reconstitution of a functional membrane-bound adenylate cyclase system responsive to regulation by glucose.

1. The in vitro regulation of the membrane bound adenylate cyclase of Escherichia coli B/r by a variety of carbohydrates and one mammalian hormone was examined. 2. The membrane bound adenylate cyclase was found responsive to regulation by the various growth substrates and to glucagon. 3. Solubilization of the bacterial membrane preparation by a procedure specific for the solubilization of the phosphotransferase enzyme E1 1 to its E1 1 A and E1 1 B subunits was found to be accompanied by the loss of the adenylate cyclase regulation by glucose. 4. Reconstitution of the membrane was found to result in a recovery of the regulative response of the adenylate cyclase to glucose. 5. A model for the intermediate steps in the interaction between glucose and phosphotransferase E1 1 and the adenylate cyclase is discussed.