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°C. destroys its activity.

5. The possible relation of the enzyme to autolysis is discussed.

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Copyright, 1923, by The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research New York
1923
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