Thermitase

Thermitase is a serine protease produced by the thermophilic fungus Thermoascus aurantiacus. This enzyme is known for its stability at high temperatures, making it a subject of interest in the field of biotechnology.

Structure

Thermitase is a monomeric enzyme, composed of a single polypeptide chain of 198 amino acids. The structure of thermitase is similar to that of other serine proteases, with a central beta-sheet surrounded by alpha-helices. The active site of the enzyme contains a catalytic triad of serine, histidine, and aspartic acid, which is characteristic of serine proteases.

Function

Thermitase functions as a protease, cleaving proteins at specific sites. The enzyme has a broad substrate specificity, and can cleave a variety of proteins. The activity of thermitase is optimal at high temperatures, with the enzyme retaining its activity even at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius.

Applications

Due to its stability at high temperatures, thermitase has potential applications in various industrial processes that require high-temperature conditions. For example, thermitase can be used in the food industry for the hydrolysis of proteins, and in the detergent industry for the removal of protein stains.

See also

• Protease
• Serine protease
• Thermoascus aurantiacus