ENZYMES OF MARINE ALGAE: I. STUDIES ON PHENOLASE IN THE GREEN ALGA, MONOSTROMA FUSCUM

Abstract
Phenolase (o-diphenol: O2 oxidoreductase, E.C. 1.10.3.1) is reported for the first time in a green alga. This enzyme isolated from Monostroma fuscum (Postels and Ruprecht) Wittrock resembles the enzyme from higher plants in most of its characteristics, including its substrate specificities, the influence of inhibitors, and its relatively low oxygen affinity. The in vivo role of the enzyme is discussed in relation to its intracellular localization and its oxygen affinity.