Polypeptide having esterase activity and recombinant esterase and use thereof

1. An isolated polypeptide having esterase activity and exhibiting an amino acid sequence that is at least 98% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. No. 1.

2. An isolated polypeptide which exhibits at least 98% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 1 and has activity for racemate resolution of 2-alkyl-5-halopent-4-enecarboxylic esters of the formula (I)

in which R is a C1-C6-alkyl radical, R1 is C1-C4-alkyl and X is chlorine, bromine or iodine.

3. The polypeptide having esterase activity according to claim 1 , which exhibits the amino acid sequence modified by a modification selected from the group consisting of mutation, deletion, insertion, extension and fusion.