Lignin-Degrading Enzyme from the Hymenomycete <i>Phanerochaete chrysosporium</i> Burds

The extracellular fluid of ligninolytic cultures of the wood-decomposing basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium Burds. contains an enzyme that degrades lignin substructure model compounds as well as spruce and birch lignins. It has a molecular size of 42,000 daltons and requires hydrogen peroxide for activity.