Regulation of Bacitracin Synthetase by Divalent Metal Ions in Bacillus licheniformis

Abstract

The activity in vitro of the bacitracin synthetase of Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 10716 is influenced by divalent metal ions (Mg2+, Mn2+, Fe2+ or Co2+) and by bacitracin. It is possible that complexes between bacitracin and metal ions exert feedback control on the synthetase. An overall control mechanism for bacitracin synthetase may consist of substrate-metal ion complexes and product-metal ion complexes.