Abstract
Using Acromobacter eurydice isolated from soil, we clarified the pathway by which phenylpyruvate is metabolized to phenylacetate through phenylacetaldehyde. We defined the enzymes concerned as phenylpyruvate decarboxylase and phenylacetaldehyde dehydrogenase. Phenylpyruvate decarboxylase was purified and some of its properties were studied. It catalyzed the non-oxidative decarboxylation of phenylpyruvate in which diphosphothiamin (DPT) and Mg 2+ were cofactors. Compounds such as phenylpyruvate, indolepyruvate and α-keto acids with more than 6 carbons atoms in a straight chain served as substrates for the decarboxylase. Phenylacetaldehyde dehydrogenase required NAD as cofactor. To determine the amount of phenylacetaldehyde produced in the enzymic reaction, its 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-hydrazone was extracted with xylene at 70° and color was developed with NaOH-ethanol. When the bacterial cells were grown on tryptophan, both the decarboxylase and the dehydrogenase were found in the extract. In these cells tryptophan was metabolize to indoleacetate through indoleprruvate and indoleacetaldehyde.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.