Asparaginase and Glutaminase Activities of Bacteria

SUMMARY: A test-tube method is described for the determinations of l-asparaginase and l-glutaminase in suspensions and extracts of bacteria. An automated modification of the method was used to determine the asparaginase activities of about 200 strains from 78 species and the glutaminase activities of 46 strains from 13 species. Both enzymes were widely distributed and, at pH 8·5, asparaginase was generally the more active. Asparaginase was exceptionally active in some species of Erwinia.