The activation phenomena of papain and cathepsin

THE discovery Later investigations by Maschmann and Helmert [1934], as well as the present work, show that this activating effect of vitamin C-Fe" is not limited to animal proteases, but extends also to papain. The latter is the protease of many plants and appears to be the complete counterpart of cathepsin, the protease of most animal organs and leucocytes. According to our present knowledge, a close relationship exists between the proteolytic enzyme systems of the plant and animal worlds.