Sandbox 33: Difference between revisions

<scene name='Sandbox_33/Papain_protease/1'>Papain</scene>, also known as papaya proteinase I, is a <scene name='Sandbox_33/Cys_residues/1'>cystaine protease enzyme</scene> in papaya (''Carica papaya'') and mountain papaya (''Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis'')<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papain</ref>. Papain is present in the leaves, latex, roots and fruit of the papaya plant <ref>http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/441803/papain</ref>. The latex of ''Carica papaya'' is a rich source of four cysteine endopeptidases including papain, chymopapain, glycyl endopeptidase, and caricain. The proteins are synthesized as inactive precursors that become active within two minutes of the plant being wounded and the latex expelled. Papain is a minor constituent, but it has been more widely studies because it is more easily purified <ref>http://www.worthington-biochem.com/pap/default.html</ref>.

Papain can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Skin reactions may occur following contact with fresh latex from papaya; hypersensitivity reactions may be especially pronounced in persons allergic to latex<ref>http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/441803/papain</ref>. Taking papain by mouth during pregnancy is possible unsafe. There is a concern that it might cause birth defects or miscarriage. Papain might increase the risk of bleeding in people with clotting disorders.