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Definition

noun

A copper-containing oxidoreductase enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of phenolic compounds to quinones.

Supplement

This enzyme is found in many plants, fungi and microorganisms. It catalyzes the oxidation of certain phenol derivatives to quinones. For instance, it catalyzes the oxidation of benzenediols to semiquinones with O₂.

Examples of phenol oxidases are monophenol oxidase in mushrooms, polyphenol oxidases in potato and apple, and tyrosinase in plants and animal tissues.

Synonyms:

• laccase
• urushiol oxidase