Oxidation of Homogentisic Acid by Cell-free Extracts of a Vibrio

Abstract

SUMMARY: Acetoacetic acid is a product of degradation of homogentisic acid by cell-free extracts of a vibrio grown with phenylacetic acid as sole carbon source. 4-Maleylacetoacetate was identified as a reaction intermediate; reduced glutathione was a cofactor for this enzymic degradation. These reactions are similar to those catalysed by enzymes of rat liver.