The liver pigment cells of R. esculenta L. constitute a peculiar pigment cell system of histiocytic nature and contain a tyrosinase-like activity localized in the protein component of melanosomes. 2. The effects of addition and/or removal of Cu on the DOPA-oxidase activity of the system were studied. 3. It was concluded that: (a) this tyrosinase behaves as a Cu-enzyme; (b) Cu could be involved in the regulation of the enzyme activity; and (c) mixtures of apoenzyme and active enzyme coexist in the melanosomes.