Phosphodiesterase in Dictyostelium discoideum and the chemotactic response to cyclic adenosine monophosphate.

A phosphodiesterase with a low Michaelis constant for cyclic adenosine monophosphate was found in the membrane fraction of the cellular slime mold. This activity was highest during the aggregation stage. Enzyme with similar properties was also secreted by the cells. Dithiothreitol inhibited both enzymes and potentiated the cellular response to cyclic adenosine monophosphate.