Evidence for the presence of quinone methide isomerase in the metacercarial cyst of Microphallus sp. (Trematoda: Microphallidae).
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 beta-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 beta-sclerotization of the cyst wall.
Nellaiappan
K
K
Department of Zoology, University of Madras, India.
Ramakrishnan
R
R
Banu
M J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D016227:Benzoquinones / Q000378:metabolism; D002396:Catechols / Q000378:metabolism; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases; D007535:Isomerases / Q000032:analysis*; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D014200:Trematoda / Q000201:enzymology*
D016227:Benzoquinones; D002396:Catechols; C004532:quinone; D007535:Isomerases; D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases; C057265:quinone methide isomerase; C034221:catechol