Production of a novel bifunctional catalase-phenol oxidase of Scytalidium thermophilum in the presence of phenolic compounds

A novel bifunctional catalase with additional phenol oxidase activity (CATPO) is produced by the thermophilic fungus, Scytalidium thermophilum, in a growth-associated manner. In order to study the biological significance of this dual enzyme in relation to phenolic compounds, 14 phenolics were tested for their effect on growth and CATPO production.