Phosphatase Activities in the Life Cycle of Myxococcus coralloides D

SUMMARY: The effect of phosphate on the different stages of the life cycle of Myxococcus coralloides D has been examined. A high concentration of phosphate inhibited the process of fructification, but glycerol-induced myxospore formation and germination were independent of phosphate concentration. Acid and alkaline phosphatases were detected and both were released into liquid medium during the exponential growth phase. On solid medium, phosphatase activities showed different patterns according to the stage of the life cycle. The increase of these two activities was transient during glycerol-induced myxospore formation. Differences in phosphatase activities during germination of glycerol-induced myxospores and fruiting-body myxospores were found.