| Abstract: | Resonance-Raman spectra of Japanese-lacquer-tree (Rhus vernicifera) laccase, type-2-copper-depleted laccase and the latter form treated with H2O2 were measured in liquid and frozen solution, on excitation into the 600 nm absorption band. Significant changes in intensity and/or frequency of the bands lying in the 370-430 cm-1 region were observed on freezing, indicating local structural rearrangements taking place at the blue copper site. These findings corroborate previous suggestions based on e.p.r. measurements and redox data Morpurgo, Calabrese, Desideri & Rotilio (1981) Biochem. J. 193, 639-642]. They show the strong dependence of the physical properties of blue copper centres on local symmetry. Some conclusions on the origin of the Raman bands are also drawn. |
