Use of Syringaldazine for Detection of Laccase in Sporophores of Wood Rotting Fungi

Abstract

SUMMARYFungal lacease can be detected with the nonautooxidizable laccase-specific compound, syringaldazine, in the presence of tyrosinase and peroxidase. Data are presented from tests with the azine derivative of numerous fungous sporophores and associated decayed woody tissues from various localities in Wisconsin and Oregon. Syringaldazine is shown to be a reliable replacement and more specific reagent for the detection of extracellular fungal laccase, and in the absence of laccase and in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, for peroxidase. Laccase is further implicated in fruit-body formation.