Abstract
1. Cytochrome c was acetylated with acetic anhydride and electro-phoretically homogeneous derivatives acetylated to several degrees were obtained.
2. Acetylated cytochrome c had several physicochemical properties different from the native one due to the loss of positive electric charges : electrophoretic mobility, non-absorption on resin IRC-50 or cellophane dialysis membrane and the diminution of solubility in acidic medium.
3. The absorption spectra were not modified by the acetylation. Acetylated cytochrome c was readily autoxidizable in air but did not combine with carbon monoxide.
4. Acetylated cytochrome c did not accelerate oxygen uptake in succinic oxidase system if measured manometrically. However, it could be oxidized and reduced enzymatically, though the efficiency was reduced by the treatment.
5. Ascorbic acid oxidase and hydroxylamine reductase activities were negligible in the acetylated derivative.
The authors wish to express their thanks to Prof. S. Akabori and Prof. H. Yoshikawa for constant guidances in the course of the work. Thanks are alse due to Prof. Y. Yoneyama and Dr. M. Ishimoto for their valuable discussions.
