Enzymatic Oxidation of Isethionate to Sulfoacetaldehyde in Bacterial Extract1

Abstract

Isethionate degradation in a bacterial extract was shown by the isolation of enzymes and by identification of an intermediate to take place in two steps; dehydrogenation to sulfoacetaldehyde and desulfonation leading to the formation of sulfite and acetate.The enzyme responsible for isethionate oxidation in the presence of FAD was particulate in nature and a solubilized preparation obtained by extraction with buffer of low ionic strength had oxidizing activities against only isethionate and n-butanol among compounds tested The enzyme was inhibited by thiol and carbonyl reagents.