Influence of oxygen, dehydroluciferin, luciferin and 6′-ethyl-luciferin on the synthesis of adenosine (5′) tetraphospho (5′) adenosine (Ap4A) by firefly luciferase

摘要

The production of light and the synthesis of adenosine (5') tetraphospho (5') adenosine (Ap4A) by firefly luciferase (EC 1.13.12.7) follow different kinetic parameters. Whereas the presence of oxygen is required for the production of light, its presence or practical absence (5 ppm) has no appreciable effect on the synthesis of Ap4A. Both the rate and extent of reaction are about the same in the presence of luciferin, dehydroluciferin or 6'-ethyl-luciferin.