The reaction of terminal oxidation of the substrate (catechol) by molecular oxygen catalyzed by o-diphenoloxidase (o-diphenol: oxygen oxydoreductase; EC 1.10.3.1) is found to occur via a free radical mechanism. The copper of the active center changes its valency during the reaction. The spectra of substrate radicals and of the Cu2+ ions were registered by means of a high sensitivity ESR-spectrometer and their concentrations were determined.