The hydrolysis of algal galactans by enzymes from a Cytophaga species.

1. Two bacteria were isolated from sea water by the enrichment culture technique, both of which could utilize the galactan sulphate, porphyran, as sole source of carbon. 2. From the cells of one bacterium, classified as a Cytophaga sp., hydrolytic enzymes were isolated. 3. Partial purification of the enzymes is described and some of the properties of the principal enzymes have been studied. 4. The action of the enzymes on several galactan sulphates of red algae suggests that an agarase is present in the mixture.