EXHIBIT 5.1


                                 BRYAN CAVE LLP
                                245 PARK AVENUE
                         NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10167-0034
                                 (212) 692-1800
                           FACSIMILE: (212) 692-1900
   
                                December 30, 1996
    

Enzo Biochem, Inc.
60 Executive Boulevard
Farmingdale, New York  11735

Dear Sirs:
   
     We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by you with the
Securities and Exchange Commission relating to 416,521 shares of Common Stock,
$.01 par value per share (the "Shares"), of Enzo Biochem, Inc. (the "Company").
    
     We have examined and are familiar with originals, or copies certified or
otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such corporate records of the
Company, certificates of officers of the Company and of public officials and
such other documents as we have deemed appropriate as a basis for the opinions
expressed below.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

     1. The Company is duly incorporated and existing under the laws of the
        State of New York;

     2. The Shares have been duly authorized; and

     3. The Shares being sold by the selling stockholders, when sold as
        contemplated in the Registration Statement, will be legally issued,
        fully paid and non-assessable.

     We hereby consent to the use of this opinion in the above-mentioned
Registration Statement and to the reference to our name under the heading "Legal
Opinions" in the Prospectus constituting a part of such Registration Statement.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        BRYAN CAVE LLP