Rapid method for preparing cell-free extracts of Aspergillus ochraceus.

A rapid method for preparing cell-free extracts of Aspergillus ochraceus was developed. Mycelial mats were prefrozen in liquid nitrogen, ground to a fine powder in a cold mortar, and homogenized in an all-glass mechanical homogenizer. This method provided preparations averaging 43.0 mg of protein per g of mycelium (wet weight). The method was fast, efficient, and did not subject the extract to temperatures above 1 C or to heavy metals. The preparation method was suitable for studying a variety of in vitro fungal enzyme systems. Amylase, acid phosphate dehydrogenase, beta-glucosidase, beta fructofuranosidase, and trehalase activities were measurable in the preparations.