A new microsomal enzyme system capable of converting DDT to a Kelthane-like product has been found in the German cockroach, Blattella qermanica (L.). Kelthane® is 4,4"-dichloro-alpha-(trichloromethyl)-benzhydrol. The system requires oxygen, reduced triphosphopyridine nucleotide, magnesium ions and nicotinamide for activity. The enzyme(s) is also present in several strains of the house fly (Musca dornestica L.) as well as in the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.).
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Agosín et al. (1961) studied this question.