Abstract:

Phenoloxidase, a copper-containing metalloenzyme, is a key enzyme in the reaction cascade of the prophenoloxidase-activiting system. It plays vital roles in the nonspecific immunity of invertebrates by melanization. This paper reviews the molecular structure and biochemical properties of crustacean phenoloxidase.

Key words:  phenoloxidase; crustacean; molecular structure; biochemical property; nonspecific immunity