Lignin degradation and detoxification of lignin-derived products. Has activity towards ABTS and, to a much lesser extent, towards N,N-dimethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine, catechol and 2-methylcatechol. 4 hydroquinone + O2 = 4 benzosemiquinone + 2 H2O Binds 4 Cu cations per monomer. Strongly activated by Mg(2+) and Al(3+). At concentrations <50 mM, activated by Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+) and K(+). Strongly inhibited by Hg(2+) and, in a concentration-dependent manner, by Fe(2+). Optimum pH is 2.2. Activity declines sharply with decreases or increases in pH and is absent above pH 6.6. Optimum temperature is 40 degrees Celsius. Retains 65% activity at 20 degrees Celsius and 24% activity at 100 degrees Celsius. Inhibits HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (IC(50)=0.6 uM). Belongs to the multicopper oxidase family.