title: Zn2Mg alkaline phosphatase in an early ptolemeic mummy.
abstract: Bone samples of a ptolemeic mummy have been employed to study the mode of conservation on the intactness of Zn2Mg alkaline phosphatase in both structure and catalytic activity. A protein of M(r) = 190 +/- 10 kDa being identical to the 200 kDa enzyme of fresh human bones was successfully isolated. Regardless of age 200 kDa protein bands and a distinct subunit at 60 kDa were seen in SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The 200 kDa band was also monitored by activity staining. The specific activity was 120 mU/mg and 65% of the respective activity obtained in the identical preparation using fresh human tibia or rib. The enzymic activity was inhibited in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline and L-homoarginine. Radiocarbon dating supported the assignment of the mummy to the early ptolemeic period. Among the many bactericidal and fungicidal components employed for mummification were aromatic alcohols, mono- and sesquiterpenes. Pistachio resin was the major balm resin used. The microbiological sterility of the bone surface was ascertained by independent bacterial and fungal examinations.
authors.affiliation: Anorganische Biochemie, Physiologisch-Chemisches Institut der Universität Tübingen, Bundesrepublik Deutschland.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kaup
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Baumer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koller
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Hedges
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Werner
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Hartmann
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Etspüler
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Weser
mesh_terms: D000438:Alcohols / Q000032:analysis; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000032:analysis; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology*; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D004534:Egypt; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D006709:Homoarginine / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009106:Mummies; D009132:Muscles / Q000737:chemistry; D010618:Phenanthrolines / Q000494:pharmacology; D013729:Terpenes / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000438:Alcohols; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D010618:Phenanthrolines; D013729:Terpenes; D006709:Homoarginine; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; C025205:1,10-phenanthroline