Enzymatic activity in basidiomycetes

The oxidation-reduction activity of the basidiomyceteOudemansiella mucida was studied in relation to its growth in a laboratory fermentor. Cytochromes were detected in the mycelium destroyed by sonication, flavin diaphorase, polyphenoloxidase, peroxidase and catalase were found to be present in the mycelial homogenate from Waring-blendor. The obtained values of the enzymatic activity were dependent on the method of preparation of the mycelium. Homogenization in a Waring-blendor was the most appropriate. Certain interrelationships between the appearance and activity of the enzymes followed and the phase of submerged growth of the fungus were shown. The results document the succession of cytochromes, flavins and polyphenoloxidase and the specific time differences of the activity of catalase and that of peroxidase.