DETERMINATION OF CADMIUM BINDING-PROTEINS IN THE EDIBLE MUSHROOM (AGARICUS-ARVENSIS SCHFF, EX FR)

The isolation and characterization of cadmium compounds from Agaricus arvensis Schff. ex Fr. are described. These compounds were extractable with buffers. Ultrafiltrations and protein precipitations suggested protein bound cadmium. The mushroom proteins were separated by gel chromatography and the cadmium content in the corresponding fractions was determined by flameless atomic absorption. Two cadmium containing protein fractions were found with cadmium concentrations of 2.1 and 1 mg/g protein, respectively. The molecular weights of both cadmium containing proteins were estimated to be about 2,000 and 15,000-20,000, respectively by comparison with standard proteins. © 1979 J. F. Bergmann Verlag.