Characterization of Rhodanese from Cassava Leaves and Tubers

Abstract

Rhodanese activity has been established in the leaves, in the peel, and in the flesh of the tuberous part of <it>Manihot esculenta</it> Crantz. The pattern of distribution of enzyme activity is shown to follow that of the concentration of the cyanogenic glucoside estimated on the basis of HCN released. For the first time, the presence of rhodanese is reported in higher plant tissues other than the leaves. Identity has been established between rhodanese from peel, leaves, and flesh of the cassava plant. The enzyme is inhibited by cyanide in the absence of thiosuiphate or cysteine. Rhodanese is suggested to play a role in the detoxification of cyanide in cassava.