Function
Phytase or purple acid phosphatase or acidphosphatase (PHYT) catalyzes the hydrolysis of phytate (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) to myo-inositol and inorganic phosphate [1]. PHYT are a subclass of the histidine acid phosphatase[2]. Phytate is the main phosphorus storage system in plant seeds. Phytate is indigestible by monogastric animals and humans[3].
Relevance
PHYT is found in plant material and is used to increase the nutritional quality of grains, legumes, seeds and corn. PHYT is used as a dietary supplement in broiler nutrition[4]. Studies show that supplementing PHYT can reduce the need for calcium phosphate and increase digestive health.
Structural highlights
The 3D structure of shows the extensive contacts of the phosphoryl groups of the substrate binding in the [5]. Positively charged residues are colored in magenta; water molecules are shown as red spheres.
3D structures of phytase
Phytase 3D structures