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Evidence for the presence of quinone methide isomerase in the metacercarial cyst of Microphallus sp. (Trematoda: Microphallidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

K. Nellaiappan
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Madras - 600 025, India
R. Ramakrishnan
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Madras - 600 025, India
M. Jameela Banu
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Madras - 600 025, India

Abstract

The white colour of the cyst wall of the metacercaria of Microphallus sp., even in the presence of dihydroxy phenol and phenoloxidase, is due to proteins generated through a possible quinone methide interaction. The quinone methide isomerase converts the phenoloxidase mediated quinone into β-hydroxy catechol. Formation of catechol from quinone by cyst extracts was observed spectrophotometrically and chromatographically. This enzyme is involved in detoxification of excess quinone and β-sclerotization of the cyst wall.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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