Laccase
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Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) are copper containing oxidase enzymes that are found in many plants, fungi and microorganisms. The copper can be bound in several sites; Type 1, Type 2, and/or Type 3. When types 2 and 3 are bound together, it is called a trinuclear cluster. Laccases are enzymatically active on phenols and similar molecules and perform a one electron oxidation. Laccases can be polymeric and the enzymatically active form can be a dimer or trimer.
Laccases can also be used as the cathode in an enzyme catalyzed fuel cell. They perform the reduction of oxygen to water and can be paired with an electron mediator.
The easiest way to detect activity in Laccases is with a spectrophotometer. Substrates that are commonly used with this method are ABTS, syringaldazine, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol and dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine.