Complete lysis of glutamic acid-producing bacteria by the use of antibiotics which inhibit the biosynthesis of cell walls.

A novel method for obtaining complete lysis of coryneform bacteria has been devised. Bacteria in the late-exponential phase of growth are treated with antibiotics which inhibit biosynthesis of the cell wall. Organisms treated in this way show increased sensitivity to lysis by added lytic enzymes. The preparation of DNA from this group of organisms is thus greatly facilitated.