Localization, characterization and partial purification of TMAO-ase

1. Formaldehyde (FA) and dimethylamine (DMA) are generated in several species of fish of commercial importance. 2. The present study describes the localization, partial purification and characterization of an enzyme recovered from cod kidney tissue which is responsible for the reduction of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) to FA and DMA. 3. The enzyme, TMAO-ase was found to be bound to purified cod kidney lysosomes and was separated into at least four distinct isozymes by isoelectric focussing.