Phenoloxidase -activity in different tropical prawns and its sensitivity to sulphiting agents

Abstract

Presence and characteristics of
phenoloxidase in Indian prawn were reported
by Antony et al. (1968, 1975) and
Savagaon et al. (1978). They also tried to
find out probable factors responsible for
melanosis. They reported high order of
phenoloxidase activity in head juice and tail
extract of Indian prawn. Sovagaon et al.
(1978) reported the existence of zymogen
form of phenoloxidase in penaeid prawn and
gave possible mechanism of activation by
endogenous proteolytic enzymes. The
polyphenolase reactions are accelerated by
copper and other metallic ions (Fieger et al.
1961). Antony et al. (1968) reported that pH
of tissue, exposure to higher temperature up
to 55°C and access to oxygen are important
factors for black spot formation.