The type 2 copper in Rhus vernicifera laccase was completely removed without loss of other types of copper. The properties of this protein derivative and the role of type 2 copper in the catalytic action of laccase was investigated. 2. The molar extinction coefficient at 614 nm of the blue chromophore decreases from 5700 to 4700 cm-1 on removal of type 2 copper. There are no apparent absorption changes at other wavelengths in the visible or near ultraviolet region when this copper is taken away. The electron-paramagnetic-resonance (epr) parameter A parallel and the linewidth of type 1 Cu2+ decreases on removal of type 2 copper. 3. The rate of reduction of type 1 Cu2+ is not affected by removal of type 2 copper but the reduction of the two-electron acceptor is greatly impaired. These results strongly support the idea that type 1 Cu2+ is the primary site for electron transfer between substrate and enzyme and that the two-electron acceptor in the native enzyme is reduced by simultaneous electron transfer from reduced types 1 and 2 copper. 4. Reoxidation of types 1 and 3 copper and the formation of the oxygen intermediate are the same processes in native and type-2-depleted enzyme. These observations suggests that type 2 copper is not involved in the formation and rapid decay of the oxygen intermediate and that it is not necessary for the stabilization of this intermediate. 5. Two new epr signals are observed on reoxidation of reduced type-2-depleted laccase. One is temporarily formed on re-reduction of reoxidized enzyme and it is suggested that it might arise from copper, possibly type 3 copper. The other one is stable for hours and it is proposed that it might come from a modified oxygen intermediate.
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