Enzymatic properties of phenoloxidase from Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera) larvae

The kinetic parameters of partially purified phenoloxidase (PO, EC. 1.14.18.1) from the 5th instar larvae of Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera) were determined, using L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) as substrate. The optimal pH and temperature of the enzyme for the oxidation of L-DOPA were determined to be at pH 7.0 and at 42°C, respectively. The enzyme was stable between pH 6.5 and 7.4 and at temperatures lower than 37°C. At pH 6.8 and 37°C, the Michaelis constant (Km) and maximal velocity (Vm) of the enzyme for the oxidation of L-DOPA were determined to be 0.80 μmol/L and 1.84 μmol/ L/min, respectively. Tetra-hexylresorcinol and 4-dodecylresorcinol effectively inhibited activity of phenoloxidase and this inhibition was reversible and competitive, with the IC50 of 1.50 and 1.12 μmol/L, respectively. The inhibition constants were estimated to be 0.50 and 0.47 μmol/L, respectively.