3-DEHYDROSHIKIMATE DEHYDRATASE IN MUNG BEAN CULTURED-CELLS

The activity of 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase was detected in an extr act prepared from cells of mung bean (Vigna mungo) that had been cultu red in the presence of shikimate while such activity was not detectabl e in an extract prepared from cells cultured without shikimate. The en zyme was partially purified and characterized. The maximum activity of the enzyme was observed at pH 7.4. The activity was inhibited to a sm all extent by EDTA and sulfhydryl inhibitors. The partially purified e nzyme was sensitive to thermal denaturation but was stabilized by Mg2 ions. These results suggest that 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase might be induced in mung bean cultured cells in the presence of shikimic ac id.