Relationship between the composition of the regulatory complex of esterases and the age of Mycobacterium phlei culture

During submerged cultivation of Mycobacterium phlei a mixture of macromolecular compounds is released into the medium. Concentrated filtrates of cultures of different ages were separated on Sephadex G-25 fine and polyanions were found to predominate in the young culture. During further days of fermentation the proportion of polycations significantly increases. The results are discussed with respect to the regulatory complex of esterases.