Isolation and characterization of intracellular phytase from Macrophomina phaseolina

Intracellular phytase from Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. was purified 113.28-fold from dialyzed cell-free extract by precipitation with acetone, gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography on a column of DEAE-cellulose. The enzyme showed optimum activity at pH 5.6 and 35 degree C. Intracellular enzyme preparation is sensitive to heating and lost about 95% of its activity after heating at 45 degree C for 60 min. Moreover its activity is rapidly lost on keeping at 4 degree C. The K sub(m) value was calculated to be 0.91 mM. This enzyme is activated by Zn super(2+), Ca super(2+) and K super(+) and strongly inhibited by arsenate and arsenite.