L-ascorbate oxidase (AAO)

L-ascorbate oxidase (AAO) is a copper-containing enzyme found predominantly in plants that catalyzes the oxidation of L-ascorbate (vitamin C) to dehydroascorbate, using molecular oxygen and producing water. It is mainly located in the apoplast (cell wall region) and plays a key role in regulating the ascorbate redox state, which is vital for cell growth, cell wall metabolism, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. AAO operates as part of the blue copper oxidase family and is especially abundant in actively growing tissues and certain plant families. Despite being studied for its enzymatic function and physiological roles in plants, it is not considered a drug target in human medicine or a biomarker for disease.

Other names

ascorbate oxidaseascorbic acid oxidaseascorbic oxidaseL-ascorbate:oxygen oxidoreductaseAA oxidaseascorbaseascorbate dehydrogenase

Catalyzes the oxidation of L-ascorbate to dehydroascorbate using O₂ as the electron acceptor, producing water