Purification and characterization of alcohol dehydrogenase encoded by Zymomonas mobilis gene in Escherichia coli

A gene encoding alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in Zymomonas mobilis was cloned into E. coli JM 83 with plasmid pUC 9. The ADH produced by the E. coli transformant was purified bysonication, (NH$^4$)2SO4 fractionation, Affi-Gel blue and hydroxylapatite chromatography. The ADH produced by Z. mobilis was also purified by the same procedures. The two enzyme preparations were characterized and compared. It was found that the E. coli ADH was identical to one of two ADH isozymes of Z. mobilis. Analytical gel filtrations led to the conclusion that the molecule of E. coli ADH was composedv of four subunits having molecular weight of 40,000 (+1,000) dalton each The effect of metal ions on ADH activity and optimum pH were investigated.