Scientists develop `metalloenzyme` biosensor for monitoring ethylene levels in fruits
(PHYSorg.com Chemistry)

Scientists from an international group led by the RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research in Japan have developed a simple way to monitor the level of ethylene, an important hormone, in plants. Ethylene is involved in many processes in plants, such as the ripening of fruits and the dropping of leaves in the autumn. The detection was done by an artificial metalloenzyme, meaning a protein-in this case albumin-that encloses a metal that acts as a catalyst.