The<i>malQ</i>gene is essential for starch metabolism in<i>Streptococcus mutans</i>

Abstract

These results suggest that the malQ gene encodes 4-α-glucanotransferase but not α-1,4-glucosidase activity. The malQ mutant could not grow in the presence of maltose as a carbon source, which suggests that the malQ gene is essential for the utilization of starch-degradation products.