Sandbox 39

Papain

Introduction

Papain (9PAP), also known as papaya proteinase I, is an enzyme found in unripe papaya fruit. A cysteine protease, it has been used to break down tough muscle fibers, and hence is often found in powdered meat tenderizers. It is collected from the fruit by scoring its skin and allowing the "sap" to seem out. The sap is then dried and purified.

Function

As a cysteine protease, Papain utilizes a nucleophilic cysteine thiol as part of its catalytic triad.

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