Cell Wall Binding Properties of the Bacillus subtilis Autolysin(s)

Cell walls isolated from exponentially growing Bacillus subtilis have autolysin(s) attached to them. An autolysin can be released from the walls by incubation at 0 C with 3 m LiCl. The enzyme can reattach to walls when the salt concentration is reduced. The bound enzyme cannot be removed or destroyed by washing the walls with 8 m urea at 0 C. The binding of free enzyme to walls at 0 C can take place normally in the presence of 2 m urea.