The Tyrosinase-Tyrosine Reaction

Abstract

The authors were unable to confirm the statement of Gortner that tyrosinase from the mealworm produces from tyrosine a red substance that is comparatively stable. Preparations of tyrosinase from the potato, from a fungus (Agaricus dryophilus), and from the mealworm, all yield, when acting upon tyrosine, a red substance which displays the same properties. The pH range of action of the potato and meal-worm enzymes are the same and they show the same behavior when acting on quinol, p-cresol, phenol, resorcinol and catechol. It is concluded that tyrosinases from different sources are identical.