ISSN:
1550-7408
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
An enzymatic activity that hydrolyzes O,O-diisopropylphosphofluoridate (DFP) and O-1,2,2–trimethylpropylmethyl-phosphonofluoridate (Soman) was discovered in the ciliate protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. The enzymatic activity classifies the protein as Mazur-type similar to that found in hog kidney and Escherichia coli. The rate of hydrolysis of Soman by the Tetrahymena-extract is the highest, on a per gram of extract basis, of any eucaryote. The molecular weight is approximately 75,400 as determined by Sephacryl column chromatography. A maximum fifteen-fold purification has been achieved.Potential exists for the detoxification and one-step detection of common organofluorophosphate pollutants. Additionally, Tetrahymena should prove an easier subject for manipulation than mammalian or squid sources. Protozoa may be a potentially important source of detoxification and degradation enzymes for other environmental contaminants.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1550-7408.1985.tb04053.x
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