The l -Amino Acid Oxidase of Molds

Abstract

The l-amino acid oxidase of penicillin-producing molds was demonstrated best in prepns. of acetone dried mycelium. The enzyme was found in a number of molds at 3-7 days of age when grown in submerged culture. The amt. of l-amino acid oxidase in the mold depended upon the N source and the age of the mycelium. The l-amino acid oxidase of molds differed in some respects from the oxidase of rat kidney and Proteus vulgaris. The oxidases are similar in that one atom of oxygen replaced one molecule of ammonia in the catalyzed reaction between the l-amino acid and oxygen.