Total activity of transglutaminase at various temperatures in several fish meats

ABSTRACT: Transglutaminase seems to be related to the setting phenomenon of fish meat paste that occurs at temperatures below 40°C. In many reports on the relationship between transglutaminase and setting phenomenon, the enzyme activity has been measured at 25°C. However, it is known that the setting phenomenon is complicated and the effect of calcium and the 3-D structure of myofibrils, which are sensitive to temperature, play important roles in the reaction. In the present study, total activities of transglutaminase of threadfin bream, white croaker, red sea bream and carp meats were measured at various temperatures. Total transglutaminase activities at 25°C of tested fish meats are arranged in order as follows; white croaker, red sea bream, carp, threadfin bream. In contrast, optimal temperature of carp meat is 30°C, red sea bream 40°C, threadfin bream 50°C and white croaker 50–55°C. In carp meat, the enzyme activity at optimal temperature (30°C) became 8.5-fold higher than at 25°C. The data of the total activity at various temperatures are useful in order to comprehend the details of the reaction.