Autolysin: Difference between revisions

| Name = Gametolysin

| EC_number = 3.4.24.38

 

Autolysins (not necessarily having this specific catalytic activity of EC 3.4.24.38) exist in all [[bacteria]] containing [[peptidoglycan]]. The peptidoglycan matrix is very rigid, so these enzymes break down the peptidoglycan matrix in small sections so that growth and [[cell division|division of cells]] can occur. Autolysins do this by hydrolyzing the β-(1,4) bond between [[N-acetylmuramic acid]] and [[N-acetylglucosamine]] molecules. Autolysins are naturally produced by peptidoglycan containing bacteria, but excessive amounts will degrade the peptidoglycan matrix and cause the cell to burst due to [[osmotic pressure]]. [[Gram-positive]] bacteria regulate autolysins with [[teichoic acid]] molecules attached to the tetrapeptide of the peptidoglycan matrix.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Smith TJ, Blackman SA, Foster SJ | title = Autolysins of Bacillus subtilis: multiple enzymes with multiple functions | journal = Microbiology | volume = 146 ( Pt 2) | issue = 146 | pages = 249–62 | date = February 2000 | pmid = 10708363 | doi = 10.1099/00221287-146-2-249 }}</ref>

 

== References ==