Peroxidase activity in the ink gland of Sepia officinalis and partial nucleotide sequence of a candidate cDNA encoding the enzyme.

A peroxidase was partially purified from the ink gland of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis. This enzyme acts on guaiacol and I- as substrates and is inhibited by cyanide and azide. By using the PCR technique we have isolated and sequenced a cDNA clone encoding a protein homologous to other animal peroxidases. These results are discussed in relation to the possible involvement of peroxidase in the biosynthesis of melanin.