THE EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID ON THE PRODUCTION OF α-AMYLASE IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS

The formation of a-amylase in Bacillus subtilis is greatly accelerated by the addition of GAto the culture medium. Both cyclic 3〃-5〃-adenosine monophosphate and adenosine triphosphate can mimic the effect of GAin accelerating α-amylase synthesis. The glucose effect on the production of α-amylase is observed. When the bacteria are grown in glutamic acid medium, addition of glucose causes a repression of α-amylase synthesis. The repressive effect of glucose on enzyme formation of the bacteria can be relieved by GA. Furthermore, it is found that the synthesis of α-amylase by Bacillus subtilis is prevented by actinomycin D in the presence of GA. Presumably, the action of GAon α-amylase synthesis is mediated by cyclic AMP at the transcription level. Further experiments are being carried out in our laboratory.