Distribution of enzymes forming polysaccharide from sucrose and the composition of extracellular polysaccharide synthesized by Streptococcus mutans.

The distribution of polysaccharide-forming activity from sucrose was investigated in cultures of three strains of Streptococcus mutans by using an assay which conveniently determines total polysaccharide. The enzymatic activity for polysaccharide formation from sucrose is almost exclusively extracellular. The ratio of the fructan to glucan in the polysaccharide differs among the three strains investigated. The enzymatic activity for the formation of polysaccharide from sucrose has been shown to be bound to the cell-free polymer itself.