Chitinases are found in the shells of crustaceans such as shrimps, crabs and insects, and in the organs of
mollusks (such as squid cartilage), as well as in the cell walls of fungi. Chitinase (EC 3.2.1.14) can
catalyze the hydrolysis of chitin, which has the function of resisting fungal infection and become the
research hotspot of antifungal diseases.
Chitinase hydrolyzes chitin to produce N-acetylglucosamine, and further reacts with 3,5-Dinitrosalicylic
acid to produce brownish red compound. The brownish red compound has a characteristic absorption peak
at 540 nm, and the increase rate of absorption value reflects the activity of chitinase.
Reagents and Equipment Required but Not Provided:
Scales, water bath, desk centrifuge, spectrophotometer, 1 mL glass cuvette, mortar/homogenizer, distilled
water.
