Barley kernels contain a single oxalate oxidase located in the embryo and aleurone. It is already present in substantial quantities in unmalted grain and increases in activity during germination. It displays a very broad pH optimum: the optimum was at pH 4.0, but the enzyme still displayed more than 50% of its activity at pH 7. Oxalate oxidase is highly resistant to heat. However, its low affinity for oxygen suggests that it probably does not play a major role in the consumption of oxygen in mashing. The decrease in oxalic acid levels late in germination may be a result of oxalate oxidase action. Oxalic acid was not detected in raw barley.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.