An Orsellinic Acid Decarboxylase Isolated from Gliocladium roseum.

Abstract

A decarboxylase with the ability of removing the carboxyl group from orsellinic acid and 2, 4-dihydroxy-5, 6-dimethylbenzoic acid has been isolated from Gliocladium roseum and purified 40-fold, The enzyme appeared not to require any metal ions or cofactors for activity, but was considerably activated in the presence of 0.01 M sodium azide. A few salicylic acid derivatives were found to inhibit the decarboxylation of orsellinic acid competitively. The general properties of the enzyme habe been studied, and some kinetic data are reported.