[Proteeae enzymes that participate in the amino acid metabolism of food products].

Biosynthesis of enzymes, catalyzing amino acid conversion in food products, and deposition of end products of protein metabolism is a current problem for hygiene-indicatory microorganisms. Results are reported of a study of decarboxylase and aminotransferase activities of a large number of Proteus strains. It was found that aminotransferases are produced by all members of this group of microorganisms, despite the specific differences in their quantitative characteristics. The composition of the different protein-containing food substrata exerts emphatic influence on the induction of these enzymes. The results of study of decarboxylase activity also point to some specific differences, applicable in the differential diagnosis. The inferences summarize the importance of the whole Proteus group as hygiene-indicatory microorganisms, producing enzymes of essential importance for the quality and biologic value of food products.