Cytochrome Oxidase in Tea Fermentation

Abstract

AN endo-enzyme system in tea leaf which could oxidize tea tannins directly was recently reported by Sreorangachar¹. The enzyme remained bound to the tissue after exhaustive washing with water or phosphates of acetone-dried tea leaf tissue. Attempts to confirm this work in Assam at first proved fruitless. An enzyme preparation made apparently in identically the same way was completely devoid of oxidase activity. Tea tannin was not oxidized and no characteristic colour with the Nadi reagent was observed in the absence of hydrogen peroxide. An orange coloration developed in the fibrous portions of the leaf but this was found to be due to the interaction of the lignins with p-phenylene diamine. The endo-enzyme, however, showed strong peroxidase activity when hydrogen peroxide was added.