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A METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE RENNET ACTIVITY OF CHYMO-TRYPSIN
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Princeton, N. J.
The Journal of General Physiology
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Chymotrypsin and pepsin rennet activity can be measured by observing milk flow rate in a pipette before clotting occurs. This method provides a simple way to quantify enzyme activity in milk clotting applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
Background:
- Chymotrypsin and pepsin are enzymes with rennet-like properties.
- Accurate measurement of rennet activity is crucial for various industrial applications, including cheesemaking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a convenient method for measuring the rennet activity of chymotrypsin and pepsin.
- To express rennet activity quantitatively based on milk clotting time.
Main Methods:
- A standard milk solution was prepared using milk powder.
- Chymotrypsin was added to the milk solution, and its flow through a graduated pipette was observed.
- The time taken for the milk to clot was recorded to determine the rate and distance of flow.
Main Results:
- The time required for chymotrypsin to clot milk was calculated from the observed flow dynamics.
- Rennet activity was expressed as the reciprocal of the time (in minutes) for 1 ml of enzyme solution to clot 10 ml of standard milk.
Conclusions:
- The described pipette method offers a convenient and quantitative approach to assess chymotrypsin and pepsin rennet activity.
- This method allows for the standardized measurement of enzyme efficacy in milk-clotting processes.
