Chitin is the second largest class of biopolymers in nature, which is second only to cellulose. Due to its
slow decomposition and large accumulation, it is easy to cause serious environmental pollution. Chitinase
is an important enzyme affecting nitrogen mineralization in soil, and its decomposition of chitin controls
the key step of nitrogen cycle.
Chitinase hydrolyzes chitin to produce N-acetylglucosamine. The intermediate compound produced by the
reaction of N-acetylglucosamine and alkali can further react with p-Dimethylaminobenzaldehyde to
produce a chromogenic substance. The chromogenic substance has a characteristic absorption peak at 585
nm. The increasing rate of absorbance reflects the activity of chitinase.
Reagents and Equipment Required but Not Provided:
Spectrophotometer/microplate reader, Low tempareture centrifuge, transferpettor, oscillator, micro glass
cuvette/96 well flat-bottom plate, mortar, 30-50 mesh sieve, distilled water and toluene.
