Partial purification and properties of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase from Potamon potamios

1. The tissue distribution of the (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase in the freshwater/land crab Potamon Potamios was studied.2. Gills were found to display the highest total activity in the whole animal (47%) but the highest specific activity was detected in the heart (15.15 μmol Pi/mg protein/min.).3. All other organs tested were found to have low enzyme activity.4. The freshwater/land crab ATPase enzyme was inhibited by ouabain with a Ki of 0.5 mM.Km values for ATP, Mg²⁺ and K⁺ were 1.4, 4.0 and 1.2mM respectively. The enzyme also showed a break in the Arrhenius plot at 23°C.5. A purification method of microsomal ATPase is described involving ultracentrifugation and electrofocusing.