Peroxidases (EC 1.11.1.7) are a large group of enzymes widely distributed in the plant kingdom. The present work describes a study on the isolation, purification and some features of a novel peroxidase from white Spanish broom (Cytisus multiflorus), a tree legume very abundant in the northern half of Spain and Portugal. Optimal conditions are proposed for enzyme extraction, removal of phenolic compounds and enzyme purification by consecutive hydrophobic, ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatographies. Peroxidase from Cytisus multiflorus (CMP) was found to have a molecular weight of 49 kDa. The spectrum of CMP showed a Soret band at 403 nm with a Rz factor of 3.3. Substrate specificity and the effect of some variables on the activity of CMP with guaiacol as cosubstrate have also been investigated.This work was partially supported by project SA052A10-2, funded by Consejería de Educación de la Junta de Castilla y León (Spain).Peer reviewe
