SCREENING OF THE OCCURRENCE OF COPPER AMINE OXIDASES IN FABACEAE PLANTS

Aim of this work was to find the best source for obtaining high amount of copper amine oxidase (EC 1.4.3.6) that can be further used for ana lytical or industrial applications. The study focused on plant enzymes , because they occur in much higher content in the starting material t han the enzymes from other sources, have higher specific activity and are also more thermostable. Presence of the amine oxidase was tested i n extracts from 4 to 7-d-old seedlings of thirty-four various Fabaceae plants. Amine oxidases hom nine selected plants were purified by gene ral method involving ammonium sulfate fractionation, controlled heat d enaturation, and three chromatographic steps. Kinetic properties of th e amine oxidases purified were tested with a wide range of substrates and inhibitors and were found to be very similar. Best purification yi eld, and total and specific activities were obtained for the enzyme fr om grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) throughout all purification steps. Hen ce, the grass pea extract was chosen as a suitable candidate for massi ve production of the amine oxidase.