ABSTRACT
Alliinases [S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxide lyase; alliin lyase; EC 4.4.1.4] cleave S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxides by -elimination producing thiosulfinates, pyruvate, and ammonia (Fig. 1). This enzyme requires pyridoxal-5 0-phosphate (PALP) as a cofactor. The pungent flavors and aromas of a number of species in the Amaryllidaceae family are due to the action of this enzyme. As is the case with other lyases, the enzyme is separated from the substrate in the intact tissue, and the reaction takes place upon rupture of cells.
