Proteinase K from the fungus Pleurodontium albicans is a non-specific serine protease suitable for Routine digestion of proteins.

Proteinase K remains active under the following conditions:

• Over a wide pH range – better activity between 6.5 and 9.5
• In denaturing conditions – for example in the presence of SDS or urea
• In the presence of metal chelators – such as EDTA
• At relatively high temperatures – optimal digestion temperature is 65°C

Applications
Removal of endogenous nucleases during preparation of DNA and RNA; preparation of tissue sections for in situ hybridization.

Performance and Quality Testing
Endodeoxyribonuclease and exodeoxyribonuclease assay; tests liquid dosage forms for lack of RNase activity.

Unit Definition
One mAnson unit is described as the amount of enzyme that releases 1 µmole of Folin-positive amino acid in 1 minute at 37°C using hemoglobin as a substrate.