Enzymatic Conversion of 2-Amino-4-hydroxy-6-formyl-7, 8-dihydropteridine to 2-Amino-4-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethyl-7, 8-dihydropteridine by Cell-free Extracts of Escherichia coli B

Abstract

Cell-free extracts of Escherichia coli B catalyze the production of 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethyl-7, 8-dihydropteridine from 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-formyl-7, 8-dihydropteridine. NADPH is essential as a cofactor for this reaction. The product is isolated by column chromatographies on Sephadex G-25 and Pcellulose. Structure of the product is determined on the basis of ultraviolet spectra, behavior on paper chromatography, pH-fluorescence curve, and activity as a substrate during enzymatic conversion to dihydropteroic acid.