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| Name | Proteinase K |
| Source | Purified from Tritirachium album |
| Molecular Weight | 28.9 kDa |
| Optimal Temperature | 37°C |
| Optimal PH | pH 8.0 |
| Specificity | Broad spectrum serine protease |
| Activity | Degrades proteins by hydrolyzing peptide bonds |
| Stability | Stable at room temperature for short periods |
| Storage Conditions | Store at -20°C |
| Applications | Used in molecular biology to digest proteins |
| Concentration | Typically supplied in concentrations of 10-20 mg/ml |
| Unit Definition | One unit will hydrolyze urea-denatured hemoglobin at 37°C, pH 7.5 to release color equivalent to 1 μmole of tyrosine per minute |
FAQ
What is Proteinase K and how does it work?
Proteinase K is a broad-spectrum serine protease that is widely used in molecular biology applications. It is derived from the fungus Tritirachium album and is capable of digesting proteins by cleaving peptide bonds. Proteinase K is highly stable and active in a wide range of conditions, making it a popular choice for protein degradation in various research fields.
How is Proteinase K typically used in the laboratory?
Proteinase K is commonly used for the isolation of high-quality DNA and RNA from biological samples. It can effectively degrade nucleases and other proteins that may be present in the sample, ensuring the purity of the extracted nucleic acids. Proteinase K is also used in the removal of proteins from tissues and cells, as well as in the inactivation of nucleases in molecular biology protocols.
What are the key features of Proteinase K that make it suitable for various applications?
Proteinase K is known for its high specificity and broad substrate specificity, allowing it to efficiently digest a wide range of proteins. It is resistant to denaturation by heat, enabling its use in heat-inactivation steps without losing enzymatic activity. Proteinase K is also active in the presence of detergents, chaotropic agents, and reducing agents, making it compatible with a variety of sample buffers and conditions.
Can Proteinase K be used in combination with other enzymes or reagents?
Proteinase K can be used in conjunction with other enzymes or reagents in molecular biology protocols. For example, it is often combined with phenol/chloroform extraction or silica-based purification methods for the isolation of nucleic acids. Proteinase K can also be used in combination with DNA or RNA extraction kits to enhance the efficiency of purification procedures.
What precautions should be taken when working with Proteinase K?
Proteinase K is a highly active enzyme that can degrade proteins and RNA, so it is important to handle it with care. It should be stored at -20°C to maintain its stability, and aliquots should be made to prevent multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Proteinase K should be used in a fume hood due to its potential respiratory and skin irritation properties, and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when handling the enzyme.
Proteinase K is a broad-spectrum serine protease that is widely used in molecular biology applications. It is derived from the fungus Tritirachium album and is capable of digesting proteins by cleaving peptide bonds. Proteinase K is highly stable and active in a wide range of conditions, making it a popular choice for protein degradation in various research fields.
How is Proteinase K typically used in the laboratory?
Proteinase K is commonly used for the isolation of high-quality DNA and RNA from biological samples. It can effectively degrade nucleases and other proteins that may be present in the sample, ensuring the purity of the extracted nucleic acids. Proteinase K is also used in the removal of proteins from tissues and cells, as well as in the inactivation of nucleases in molecular biology protocols.
What are the key features of Proteinase K that make it suitable for various applications?
Proteinase K is known for its high specificity and broad substrate specificity, allowing it to efficiently digest a wide range of proteins. It is resistant to denaturation by heat, enabling its use in heat-inactivation steps without losing enzymatic activity. Proteinase K is also active in the presence of detergents, chaotropic agents, and reducing agents, making it compatible with a variety of sample buffers and conditions.
Can Proteinase K be used in combination with other enzymes or reagents?
Proteinase K can be used in conjunction with other enzymes or reagents in molecular biology protocols. For example, it is often combined with phenol/chloroform extraction or silica-based purification methods for the isolation of nucleic acids. Proteinase K can also be used in combination with DNA or RNA extraction kits to enhance the efficiency of purification procedures.
What precautions should be taken when working with Proteinase K?
Proteinase K is a highly active enzyme that can degrade proteins and RNA, so it is important to handle it with care. It should be stored at -20°C to maintain its stability, and aliquots should be made to prevent multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Proteinase K should be used in a fume hood due to its potential respiratory and skin irritation properties, and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when handling the enzyme.
