Plant Urate Oxidase

Abstract

Chromatography of extracts of Symphytum officinale, Pisum sativum and Tradescantia indicated the relative amounts of allantoin and allantoic acid present in these plants. Tests showed that PVP, nylon and sodium dithionite did not interfere with ox-kidney urate oxidase activity, however, these compounds did not stop the development of colour in plant extracts sufficiently for kinetic assays to be performed. Although plant material does not contain an inhibitor of ox-kidney urate oxidase, very little activity was found in either etiolated or non-etiolated tissue. Gel-filtration of plant extracts was used to obtain colourless protein solutions, but these were inactive when tested for urate oxidase activity. Graham and Karnovsky's histochemical stain was found to be unsuitable for use with plant material. Alternative methods of uric acid oxidation and allantoin production are discussed.