FORMATION OF 5-FORMYLURACIL BY CELL-FREE PREPARATIONS FROM NEUROSPORA CRASSA

1. A cell-free preparation has been obtained from Neurospora crassa which catalyzes the conversion of 5-hydroxymethyluracil to 5-formyluracil. 2. This enzymatic activity was markedly stimulated by Fe(II), α-ketoglutarate, and ascorbate. 3. While the requirements for Fe(II) and α-ketoglutarate appeared quite stringent, several common biological reducing agents, e.g., GSH, substituted for ascorbate. 4. The lack of activity observed when the incubations were carried out under nitrogen suggested that oxygen is required. © 1968.