Physiological aspects of Streptococcus lactis, strain MSU development in mixed culture with Rhodotorula colostri were studied in connection with nisin biosynthesis. By the IR spectra the average content of the main components in the monoculture cells of S. lactis and its association with the yeast in the stationary growth phase was the following by dry weight: 54-58 per cent of protein, 14-16 per cent of nucleic acids, 26-28 per cent of carbohydrates and 3-5 per cent of lipids. Glucose and nitrogen in the fermentation broth were consumed completely. A significant quantity of KH2PO4 remained in the fermentation broth. Lactic acid excretion was observed. S. lactis, strain MSU was the leading component of the association under the studied cultivation conditions because just its IR spectra dominated in the spectra of the mixed culture.