Abstract
The characteristic features of an acetic acid esters hydrolyzing enzyme (acetylesterase, EC 3.1.1.16) are described. The pH- and temperature optimum were 7.0 and 40 °C respectively. The stability of the enzyme regarding different pH- and temperature conditions was investigated. The molecular weight of the acetylesterase could be determined to 160000. A small acetic ester hydrolyzing activity was found too with a molecular weight of about 25000. The activity was not inhibited by addition of di-isopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP) or physostigmine. The KM-value for glyceryl triacetate was about 90 mM. Concentration of the enzyme was done by ultrafiltration and column-chromatography. The enzymatic activity tests were performed titrimetrically using glyceryl triacetate for substrate.