Simultaneous and successive induction of synthesis of beta-galactosidase and tryptophanase in Escherichia coli K 12 in the chemostat.

beta-Galactosidase and tryptophanase were induced either simultaneously or successively during continuous cultivation of the inducible strain Escherichia coli K 12 in the chemostat. Growth was limited by glycerol and the dilution rate was 0.1 h-1. During both the simultaneous and successive induction specific rates of synthesis, as well as maximum enzyme levels, were identical with those obtained after independent induction of individual enzymes. As compared with batch cultivation, beta-galactosidase reached the same specific rate of synthesis in the chemostat, whereas the specific rate of synthesis of tryptophanase in the chemostat was up to five times higher.