STUDIES ON THE ENZYMES OF PNEUMOCOCCUS : IV. BACTERIOLYTIC ENZYME.

1. Pneumococci possess an active intracellular enzyme which causes lysis of heat-killed pneumococci of the same and heterologous types and to a less degree of a closely related organism, Streptococcus viridans. 2. The optimum reaction for lysis lies between pH 6 and 8. 3. The bacteriolytic action is proportional to the concentration of the enzyme. 4. Heating the enzyme for 30 minutes at 60 degrees C. destroys its activity. 5. The possible relation of the enzyme to autolysis is discussed.