Rate-determining step in the action of L-amino-acid oxidase.

Abstract

ALTHOUGH detailed information concerning the substrate specificity1,2, co-factor requirement and physico-chemical properties2 of L-amino-acid oxidase is available, our knowledge of the mechanisms of the reactions catalysed by this enzyme leaves much to be desired. Radda3 has recently proposed a mechanism for the oxidation of phenylglycines by L-amino-acid oxidase which involves the elimination of the α-hydrogen as a hydride ion (or radical) followed by hydrolysis of the imine and dissociation of the enzyme-product complex.