The adenyl cyclase enzyme system was detected in the cells of Escherichia coli disrupted by sonic treatment. This enzyme activity is located mainly in the cell fraction sedimenting at 2,000×g, i.e. in the cytoplasmic membrane fraction. A prolonged sonication treatment of the cell suspension was followed by the disappearance of activity in the membrane preparation. The pH optimum of the adenyl cyclase in Escherichia coli was on the alkaline side, around pH 9. © 1969 Academia, nakladatelství Československé akademie věd.