Characterization of polyphenol oxidase from plants

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) which can mediate browning reaction is a bifunctional copper-containing enzyme encoded by plant nucleolus gene. It usually leads to excessive browning reaction which reduces the commercial profits of fruits and vegetables. In this paper, PPO genes and enzymes in plants are characterized systematically, and the latest progress is reviewed. Some clonings of PPOs genes are reported; the specific temporal and spatial expression pattern of PPOs genes is described; the model of the structure of the precursor form of catechol oxidase is introduced; the possible functions of PPOs in defending against pathogen, wounding, surrounding stress and other inducing factors are demonstrated; the induction and activation of latent PPOs in some plants is elucidated; the scheme of browning inhibition by L-cysteine is clarified; the mechanism of suicide inhibition of latent PPO and kinetic synergism are established. Furthermore, the area for future study is also discussed.