Microsomal N-demethylation, by a cotton leaf oxidase system, of 3-(4'-chloropENYL)-1, 1-dimethylurea (monuron)

Abstract

A cotton leaf microsomal oxidase system that N-demethylates 3-(4'-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (monuron) to 3-(4'-chlorophenyl)-1-methylurea has been partially characterized. The enzyme system is associated with a microsomal fraction separated by differential centrifugation and requires molecular oxygen as well as either the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate or the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide as cofactors.