Partial purification and properties of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase from Potamon potamios

1. The tissue distribution of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in the freshwater/land crab Potamon Potamios was studied. 2. Gills were found to display the highest total activity in the whole animal (47%) but the highest specific activity was detected in the heart (15.15 mumol Pi/mg protein/min). 3. All other organs tested were found to have low enzyme activity. 4. The freshwater/land crab ATPase enzyme was inhibited by ouabain with a Ki of 0.5 mM.Km values for ATP, Mg2+ and K+ were 1.4, 4.0 and 1.2 mM respectively. The enzyme also showed a break in the Arrhenius plot at 23 degrees C. 5. A purification method of microsomal ATPase is described involving ultracentrifugation and electrofocusing.