Protease

Proteases are enzymes that act on proteins to break them down into smaller units, ultimately to their constituent amino acids.  An important class of protease is involved in digestion and acts to release amino acids from dietary protein for use in protein synthesis in the body.

MC23.8 can be used in a slow (overnight) experiment to hydrolyse gelatine, or in a quicker exercise where it acts on casein (milk protein) and converts an opaque suspension to a clear solution of amino acids.

Suggested experimental protocol (new window, 0.1M, pdf format)

Enzyme FAQ (new window)

Enzyme overview (new window, 0.1M, pdf format)

Enzyme MSDS -  Generic Enzyme Material Safety Data Sheet (new window, 0.1M, pdf format)