Watasenia-luciferin 2-monooxygenase

In enzymology, a Watasenia-luciferin 2-monooxygenase (EC 1.13.12.8) is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction

Watasenia luciferin + O₂ ${\displaystyle \rightleftharpoons }$oxidized Watasenia luciferin + CO₂ + hnu

Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are Watasenia luciferin and O₂, whereas its 3 products are oxidized Watasenia luciferin, CO₂, and hn.

This enzyme belongs to the family of oxidoreductases, specifically, those acting on single donors with O₂ as oxidant and incorporation of two atoms of oxygen into the substrate (oxygenases). The oxygen incorporated need not be derived from O with the incorporation of one atom of oxygen (internal monooxygenases o internal mixed-function oxidases). The systematic name of this enzyme class is Watasenia-luciferin:oxygen 2-oxidoreductase (decarboxylating). This enzyme is also called Watasenia-type luciferase.

• Inoue S, Kakoi H, Goto, T (1976). "Squid bioluminescence. III. Isolation and structure of Watasenia luciferin". Tetrahedron Lett. 17: 2971–2974. doi:10.1016/S0040-4039(01)85503-9.