What is Chymotrypsin?
Like trypsin, chymotrypsin is a digestive enzyme secreted by the pancreas that breaks up (cleaves) proteins into smaller peptides in a specific manner. It belongs to a family of enzymes called serine proteases in which the amino acid serine plays a key role in the active site of the enzyme
What is Chymotrypsin’s Role?
Enzymes are highly specific and targeted in their function. Chymotrypsin specifically cleaves peptides on the C-terminal side of aromatic (ring structure) amino acid residues—tryptophan, phenylalanine, or tyrosine. These particular amino acids of the protein substrate are hydrophobic (“water hating”) and uniquely interact with a complementary hydrophobic active site (S1 position) within the chymotrypsin molecule. This precise interaction provides the specificity unique to this enzyme.
Chymotrypsin is classified as an endoprotease since it breaks down proteins in the middle of the chain rather than at its ends. This protease has optimal activity at a pH around 8.
Chymotrypsin: Other characteristics
Chymotrypsin originates as a larger inactive precursor molecule known as chymotrypsinogen. It becomes activated by trypsin, which breaks a bond between arginine and isoleucine at the R15 and R116 positions. This results in a modification of the overall three-dimensional structure that creates the “hydrophobic pocket” substrate binding site within the enzyme.
In its final, active form, chymotrypsin consists of 241 amino acids and has a size of 25 kDa.
What is Chymotrypsin used for?
- Peptide synthesis
- Sequence analysis
- Peptide mapping
- Peptide fingerprinting
How do I reconstitute and store chymotrypsin?
Reconstitute chymotrypsin in 1 mM hydrochloric acid (HCl; pH 3). Under these conditions, the enzyme is stable for approximately 1 year when properly aliquoted to avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles and stored at -20C. Adding calcium at 20 mM will benefit the enzyme stability by slowing chymotrypsin’s ability to self-digest itself (autolysis).
Chymotrypsin Enzyme from Porcine or Bovine pancreas
IntegriZyme’s Dr. Randy Meyer has nearly a decade of experience with trypsin and chymotrypsin and developed a novel, proprietary method of chromatographically purifying these enzymes. We have the capability of purifying these enzymes at different activity levels and mixtures of trypsin and chymotrypsin. We can produce USP grade chymotrypsin as well as lower activity material from either bovine or porcine origin–at attractive, manufacturer-direct prices.
Let us know how we can help you with your chymotrypsin project.
IntegriZyme, LLC isolates and purifies chymotrypsin enzyme in the U.S. from U.S.-sourced animals.
It is available for purchase in various sized quantities or we can custom package in sizes to fit your needs. Please inquire.
Chymotrypsin Specification (CAS 9004-07-3; EC 3.4.21.1 )
Porcine Chymotrypsin
Bovine Chymotrypsin- Available Soon
Form: Liquid or Lyophilized Powder
Form: Liquid or Lyophilized Powder
Storage: -20C
Storage: -20C
Unit Definition: One USP Chymotrypsin Unit is the activity causing a change in absorbance of 0.0075 per minute under the conditions specified in the USP assay using ATEE as substrate.
Product activity options:
Product activity options:
≥ 1000 USP Units/mg solid
≥ 1000 USP Units/mg solid
Custom: : Let us know what you are looking for. We have the unique capability to consistently produce various trypsin products according to your specifications. Give us a call to discuss your product needs.
Custom: : Let us know what you are looking for. We have the unique capability to consistently produce various trypsin products according to your specifications. Give us a call to discuss your product needs.
For research, laboratory. and manufacturing use only. Not for drug or other use.