Co-Authors:
Kahn, V., Department of Food Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan, Israel
Ben-Shalom, N., Department of Food Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan, Israel
Zakin, V., Department of Food Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan, Israel
Abstract:
The hydroxylation of p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (PHPAC) and the oxidation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) by mushroom tyrosinase are illustrated. DOPAC quinone (4-carboxy-methyl-o-benzoquinone (λmax = 400±10 nm) is the initial pigmented product formed when DOPAC is oxidized by the enzyme. DOPAC quinone is very unstable, and, once formed, is converted rapidly to further oxidation product(s). The relationships between the rate of p-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid hydroxylation and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid oxidation as a function of various concentrations of each substrate and of mushroom tyrosinase, are described. The effect of the addition of various chemicals that can potentially conjugate otherwise affect DOPAC quinone was studied The Km value of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid for mushroom tyrosinase was estimated to be 4.0 mM.