Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate in staphylococci

Abstract

Staphylococci—chemoorganotrophic bacteria whose main habitats are human and animal organisms—can accumulate poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB) in their cells. The polymer is metabolized in endogenous turnovers preceding degradation of aminoacids, proteins and RNA. PHB depolymerase was not found in staphylococci but β‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase was estimated, purified and characterized.