Lignin degradation and detoxification of lignin-derived products. Exhibits broad substrate specificity against a range of aromatic compounds with highest activity against guaiacol. Shows lower activity against 4-methylcatechol, 4-hydroxyindole, catechol, hydroquinone and 2,6-dimethoxy-phenol. 4 hydroquinone + O2 = 4 benzosemiquinone + 2 H2O Binds 4 Cu cations per monomer. Inhibited by Ca(2+), Fe(2+) and Al(3+). Optimum pH is 2.4. Stable at pH 7.2 and 5.2. Optimum temperature is 20 degrees Celsius. Thermostable, maintains activity from 50 to 60 degrees Celsius. Inhibits cell proliferation of HepG2 hepatoma cell line with an IC(50) of 2.6 uM and L1210 mouse leukemia cell line with an IC(50)=3.2 uM respectively. Belongs to the multicopper oxidase family.