Journal of Dental Research, Vol 57, 380-383, Copyright © 1978 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
The effect of some divalent cations on extracellular polysaccharide synthesis in Streptococcus salivarius
R. F. Boyd
The amount of extracellular insoluble polysaccharide produced by
Streptococcus salivarius can be effected by some divalent cations. Calcium
at concentrations of 1 X 10(-3) and 10(-4) M caused a reduction in
polysaccharide synthesis. Magnesium at 1 X 10(-3) M inhibited extracellular
polysaccharide production but at 1 X 10(-4) M had little effect. Manganese
was without effect on polysaccharide synthesis. Zinc at 1 X 10(-3) and 1 X
10(-4) M caused a substantial increase in extracellular polysaccharide
synthesis.