Tyrosinases: a family of copper-containing metalloenzymes

Abstract Tyrosinases (TYRs) are a family of copper-containing metalloenzymes that are present in all domains of life. TYRs catalyze the reactions that start the biosynthesis of melanin, the main pigment of the animal kingdom, and are also involved in the formation of the bright colors seen on the caps of mushrooms and in the petals of flowers. TYRs catalyze the ortho -hydroxylation and oxidation of phenols and the oxidation of catechols to the respective o -quinones. They only need molecular oxy