Abstract
Dilute alcohol extracts of whole animals contained enzymes which digested gelatin at pH 2.4 to above 11.0. Optima were found at pH 3.6-4.0, and more pronounced at pH 8.0-8.49. Starch digestion occurred from pH below 6 to above 8.0, with an optimum near 72. The extract also contained a lipase. Whole diatoms and bacteria were digested at pH 8.0. Green flagellates (Dunaliella) were less well digested. Alginic acid (poly-mannuronic anhydride) was not attacked by the extract.