The inhibition of phosphoglucomutase by beryllium.

1. The inhibition of phosphoglucomutase by beryllium has been examined. 2. Inhibition by beryllium does not occur unless a complex-forming agent such as cysteine or imidazole is present. It is therefore similar to activation by magnesium. 3. The inhibition is progressive and the rate follows first-order kinetics, which may be defined by a bimolecular rate constant. 4. In the presence of magnesium the rate of inhibition is less. By using a fixed time for inhibition competition between beryllium and magnesium may be demonstrated. After inhibition has taken place, the addition of magnesium does not reverse it.