Peroxidases in nature

Peroxidases are foimd in nature in plants, microorganisms, and higher organisms. Common peroxidases and their various biological fimctions are shown in Table 2 [24]. Peroxidases are able to catalyze the oxidation of aromatic compounds, the oxidation of heteroatoms, epoxidation, and the enantioselective reduction of racemic hydroperoxides [12,16-20,22,24,35]. Typical reactions catalyzed by peroxidases are listed in Table 3 [24]. 

For the synthesis of phenol polymers by peroxidase catalysis, the oxidation of aromatic electron donors in the presence of peroxides is of importance. Typical peroxides used in combination with peroxidases are hydrogen peroxide, alkyl peroxides, and benzyl peroxide. Typical substrates are electron-rich aromatic compoimds like phenols and anilines. This function of peroxidases was first discovered in 1855 with the oxidation of guaiacol by peroxidases in the presence of hydrogen peroxide [56]. More systematic investigations and 

Lignin peroxidase 2ArH + H202 Ar + 2H2O Degradation of lignin 

Chloroperoxidase 2ArH + 2C1 + H202- -ArCl + 2H2O Biosynthesis of caldariomycin 

D ehydrogenation HO. COOH 0,5 C00H HOOCUH HOOC O Dihydroxyfumaric acid 

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