Chymotrypsin preferentially catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds involving L-isomers of tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan. It also readily acts upon amides and esters of susceptible amino acids. Chymotrypsin catalyzes the hydrolysis of bonds of leucyl, methionyl, asparaginyl and glutamyl residues. Chymotrypsinogen A is extracted from pancreatic tissue as a zymogen. Pancreatic extract contains approximately equal amounts of two forms of the zymogen, chymotrypsin A and chymotrypsin B. Chymotrypsin A may be activated to alpha, pi, beta, or gamma chymotrypsin. The enzyme is inhibited by heavy metals, the natural trypsin inhibitors to various degrees, an inhibitor from potato, and organophosphorous compounds.
Storage and Stability:
Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20 degrees C. Stable for 12 months at -20 degrees C. Reconstitute with 2mM HCl. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20 degrees C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.