title: Rotting by radicals--the role of cellobiose oxidoreductase?
abstract: Cellobiose oxidoreductase is a flavocytochrome secreted by wood-rotting fungi. The structure and functional role of the enzyme are reviewed, and a mechanism through which the enzyme produces superoxide, ferrous iron and hydrogen peroxide is proposed. The reactions of hydroxyl radicals formed by Fenton chemistry are discussed in the context of lignocellulose biodegradation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, U.K. mgmaso@essex.ac.uk
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nicholls
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002237:Carbohydrate Dehydrogenases / Q000378:metabolism*; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical / Q000378:metabolism*; D020075:Phanerochaete / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D002237:Carbohydrate Dehydrogenases; C019859:cellobiose-quinone oxidoreductase