An apparatus for the measurement of lipoxygenase activity and pentane production

The enzyme lipoxygenase has been demonstrated to produce pentane. However, until now no apparatus has been available to measure the pentane concomitantly with the lipoxygenase activity. Such an apparatus is described by this paper. The apparatus consists of a reaction vessel which can be sealed with a rubber septum to allow sampling for pentane production and an oxygen measuring device to determine the oxygen level of the system. The apparatus is being used to conduct in-depth studies of the lipoxygenase enzyme and its possible role in food quality. Paper 4128 of the journal series of the North Carolina State University Agricultural Experiment Station, Raleigh, N.C.