Aryl acylamidase activity in larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella

Abstract

1. 1. Significant levels of aryl acylamidase (E.C. 3.5.1.13) activity have been found in extracts of larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella using acetyl p- nitroanilide as substrate. 2. 2. Gel electrophoresis suggests that the activity is due to more than one enzyme. Inhibitor studies show that these enzymes are probably of the “active serine” type but have a requirement for a free sulphydryl group. 3. 3. Partially purified enzyme will not catalyse the hydrolysis of N- acetyl groups from some simple α-N- acetyl or N- acetyl hexosamines.