[Calcifying bacteria and carbonic anhydrase].

Carbonic anhydrase activity was measured on bacteria known for their calcifying power. The results obtained allow us to conclude that carbonic anhydrase is not present in their enzymatic equipment. Nevertheless, the addition of carbonic anhydrase in culture media increases the growth of the cultures and their calcifying power. This result is due to the direct action of the enzyme on the pH of the culture medium. The results obtained could be applied to the mechanism of dental plaque calcification.