[Correlation between the synthesis of extracellular proteases and the synthesis of the red pigment prodigiosin in Serratia marcescens].

A correlation has been established between synthesis of exocellular protease and synthesis of a red pigment prodigiosine by Serratia marcescens. Chloramphenicol, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, inhibits also synthesis of the pigment. Leucine, an inductor of synthesis of the exocellular protease by Serratia marcescens VI, induces also synthesis of the pigment. A mixture of 18 natural amino acids, asparagine and ammonium ions represses both synthesis of the enzyme and the pigment.