THERMO-STABLE MICRO-ORGANISM AND PROTEOLYTIC ENZYME PREPARED THEREFROM, AND PROCESSES FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE MICRO-ORGANISM AND THE PROTEOLYTIC ENZYME

摘要

The invention relates to an extremely thermophilic bacterium, THERMUS T-351, and a thermophilic protease, CALDOLYSIN, derived therefrom. The bacterium cells are Gram negative, non-sporulating rods. Its natural environment is a hot pool at 79 DEG +/-4 DEG C. The protease is stable at temperatures up to 75 DEG C. at a pH range of 4 to 12. It is most active at temperatures of 65 DEG C. to 85 DEG C. but retains at least some activity at lower temperatures.