Z-disc digestion of isolated bovine myofibrils by an endogenous calcium activated neutral proteinase
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Updated: May 27, 2026

Analysis of Embryonic and Larval Zebrafish Skeletal Myofibers from Dissociated Preparations
Published on: November 13, 2013
Abstract:
Calcium activated neutral proteinase (CANP) activity has been purified from bovine M. semimembranosus. The effect of the enzyme on purified fractions of beef myofibrils is described. The Z-discs were the main target of the enzyme; small holes developed and the Z-discs were fragmented into smaller units of equal size. The Z-discs fragments were also split transversely, leaving half to each of the neighbouring sarcomeres. Prolonged digestion removed the entire Z-discs and its set of thin myofilaments. The functional importance of the proteinase in meat tenderization is discussed.
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