Kinetic characteristics of purified tyrosinase from different species of Dioscorea (yam) in aqueous and non-aqueous systems

- Tyrosinase was purified from different species of Dioscorea (yam) tubers to homogeneity.
- The purified enzymes had both monophenolase and diphenolase activities.
- The enzymes were stable and activated by up to 40% ether.
- There was an increase in first order rate constant (kcat/km) in ether.
- Preliminary studies indicate that the enzymes could be useful in organic synthesis.