[Comparison of luciferase activity of homogenates from fireflies of different species].

The stability and catalytic properties of enzymes from fireflies of three species - Lucida mingrelica, Lucida mongolica and Lampris sp.-were investigated. The enzyme of the homogenate from Lampris sp. was found most stable. The enzyme specific activities of the three species differed greatly. The specific activity of the homogenate from Luciola mingrelica was 7 times higher than that from Lampris sp. The Km constants with respect to Mo ATP and luciferine were identified for each enzyme.