Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.37) has been purified to homogeneity from bovine liver by using isoelectric and salt precipitations, followed by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, phenyl-Sepharose, hydroxylapatite, and Sephacryl S-200. The purified enzyme is a monomer with an Mr approximately 57 000 and an isoelectric point at pH 4.6. Enzyme activity is optimal in buffers having an ionic strength of approximately 0.1 M and a pH of 6.8. The purified enzyme has a specific activity (expressed as the disappearance of uroporphyrinogen I) of 936 nmol X h-1 X (mg of protein)-1. The purified enzyme catalyzes all four decarboxylation reactions in the conversion of uroporphyrinogen I or III to the corresponding coproporphyrinogen. The rate-limiting step in the physiologically significant conversion of uroporphyrinogen III to coproporphyrinogen III is the decarboxylation of heptacarboxylate III. Kinetic data suggest that the enzyme has at least two noninteracting active sites. At least one sulfhydryl group is required for catalytic activity. The enzyme is inhibited by sulfhydryl-specific reagents and by divalent metal ions including Fe2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+. The pattern of accumulation of intermediate (hepta-, hexa-, and pentacarboxylate porphyrinogens) and final (coproporphyrinogen) decarboxylation products is affected by the ratio of substrate (uroporphyrinogen I or III) concentration to enzyme concentration. Under physiologic conditions where the uroporphyrinogen to enzyme ratio is low, the substrate is nearly quantitatively decarboxylated, and the major product is coproporphyrinogen. If the ratio of uroporphyrinogen to enzyme is high, intermediates accumulate, and heptacarboxylate porphyrinogen becomes the major decarboxylation product.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)