Presenter
:
Juelle Citizen
Co-Presenter(s)
:
Joshua Brown
Presenter Status
:
Undergraduate student
Academic Year
:
20-21
Semester
:
Spring
Faculty Mentor
:
Monica Lares
Department
:
Chemistry
Presentation Link
:
Abstract
:
Actinidin is a type of cysteine protease found in Actinidia deliciosa, the kiwifruit. Cysteine proteases are enzymes that degrade proteins by utilizing a highly reactive thiol group. The degradation of proteins is essential as amino acids can be used to create new proteins or as a fuel source. Kiwifruit consumption is known to have numerous health benefits, with actinidin being an enzyme that promotes enhanced digestion. Understanding the characteristics and activity of this enzyme through a purification and assay process will aid in further research on cysteine proteases and establish a reliable purification method for others to follow.