The hydrolysis of glucosaminides by an enzyme in Helix pomatia

Abstract

An enzyme extract was prepared from Helix pomatia and its reaction characteristics, pH and temp. optima were detd. Hydrolysis expts. on [alpha]- and [beta]-N-acetyl methyl-glucosaminides showed that the enzyme was specific for [beta]-compounds. Some new acylated glucosaminides were prepared; the enzyme was found to hydrolyse only the N-formyl and N-acetyl compounds; it was unable to hydrolyse non-acylated glucosaminides and glucosaminides which were completely O-substituted. Separation of the [beta]-glucosidase and [beta]-glucosaminidase activities of Helix pomatia extract was effected. Enzymic expts. and other evidence bearing on the structure of chitin were discussed.