The enzyme 4-phytase () catalyzes the following reaction:

The enzyme characterised from wheat bran hydrolyses phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) to 1D-myo-inositol 1,2,3,5,6-pentakisphosphate and orthophosphate (Pi). Addition of this enzyme to the diet of broiler chickens has been shown to prevent loss of nutrients in their excretions.

The enzymes is a hydrolase, specifically one acting on phosphoric monoester bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is myo-inositol-hexakisphosphate 4-phosphohydrolase. Other names in common use include 6-phytase (name based on 1L-numbering system and not 1D-numbering) and phytate 6-phosphatase.

See also

• 3-phytase (1-phytase)

• 5-phytase

• Protein tyrosine phosphatase

References