Partial purification and properties of phospholipase A 2 from the starfish, Asterina pectinifera

Abstract

1. 1. Phospholipase A 2 (phosphatide 2-acyl-hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.4) activity was shown to occur in the supernatant fraction of a freshly prepared homogenate from the pyloric caecum of starfish ( Asterina pectinifera). 2. 2. The phospholipase A 2 has been isolated and purified 130-fold by ultra-centrifugation, ammonium sulfate precipitation and column chromatographic procedures. 3. 3. The purified enzyme was stable to heat at low pH values and the optimal pH was observed at approximately 9.0. 4. 4. The enzyme activity was activated by Ca 2+ and sodium deoxycholate, and was inhibited by EDTA.