Production and control of extracellular α-amylase in Micrococcus varians

An extracellular α-amylase was induced in cultures of Micrococcus varians during growth in a liquid medium containing starch as sole carbon source. Synthesis of this enzyme was repressed by the addition of glucose or fructose to starch metabolizing cells and was induced in a glucose or fructose metabolizing culture by the addition of starch. Glycine was found to enhance growth and production of α-amylase while the least growth and enzyme activity was recorded in medium containing ammonium sulphate as nitrogen source.