1997 Volume 61 Issue 12 Pages 2134-2136
A cell-free system for converting tryptophan precursor into violacein pigments is reported. Crucial factors were the requirements of the reduced nicotinamides as a cofactor and Zn2+ as a metal ion. Optimal pHs were in the range of 8.5-9.5. The effectiveness of NADH was thirty times lower than that of NADPH at a low concentration of 2 mM. The oxygenation mechanism(s) is discussed by using oxygenase inhibitors such as amethopterin, metyrapone, ancymidol, and prohexadione. Metal-chelating agents strongly inhibited the biosynthesis, suggesting that metallo-enzymes are involved in the biosynthesis.
This article cannot obtain the latest cited-by information.