Biosynthesis of cinnamamide and detection of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in Streptomyces verticillatus

Radioactivity from L-phenylalanine-carboxyl- 14 C was incorporated specifically into the carboxyl group of cinnamamide by cultures of Streptomyces verticillatus. L-Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (EC. 4.3.1.5) could be extracted from the mycelium. Cultures grown in defined medium produced little cinnamamide unless supplemented with L-phenylalanine; phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity in the mycelium was directly related to the yield of cinnamamide.