Amylase of the thermophilic actinomycete Thermomonospora vulgaris.

alpha-Amylase of the thermophilic actinomycete Thermomonospora vulgaris was partially purified. Maximal enzyme activity was obtained at 60degreeC and pH 6.0. KM value was l.4%. The effect of some metal salts on enzyme activity was studied. Enzyme activity was inhibited by by KCN, EDTA, and iodoacetate. Inhibition by EDTA was completely nullified by CaCl2, but the inhibition by iodoacetate was not overcome by 2-mercaptoethanol. Exposure of the enzyme to pH 7.0 and 9.0 for 2 hr. did not affect the enzyme, but exposure to pH 3.0 for few minutes completely inactivated the enzyme. Exposure of the enzyme to 60degreeC resulted in an appreciable inactivation and exposure to 80degreeC completely inactivated the enzyme. Addition of CaCl2, 2-mercaptoethanol, or enzyme substrate the 60degreeC exposed enzyme. However, bovine serym albumin had a protective effect when the enzyme was exposed to 60degreeC but not to 80degreeC. The enzyme was stable in the presence of 8 M urea.