[5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase from the human prostate. 1. Purification and partial characterization].

5'-Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase has been purified approximately 340-fold in 20% yield from human prostate: the use of affinity chromatography by Sepharose-Hg has been found particularly advantageous. The enzyme has been partially characterized and an apparent Km of 2.5 x 10(-5) M has been calculated for 5'-methylthioadenosine. The reaction is activated by thiols and shows an absolute requirement for phosphate ions.