Pronunciation: [sˈʌbtɪlˌɪsɪn ˈiː] (IPA) 
Subtilisin E is an enzyme that is commonly used in the production of detergents and other cleaning materials. The word "subtilisin" is spelled with a silent "b" to reflect the word's origin in Latin. The ending "-in" is a common suffix used to indicate that the word is a protein. The letter "e" at the end of the word denotes a particular protein variant. The IPA phonetic transcription would be /səbˈtɪləsɪn iː/.
Subtilisin E, also known as subtilisin Carlsberg, is a type of serine protease enzyme derived from the bacteria Bacillus licheniformis. It was originally isolated from the Carlsberg Laboratory in Denmark and is widely used in various industries for its enzymatic properties.
Subtilisin E is a highly efficient and robust enzyme that exhibits a broad substrate specificity, meaning it can hydrolyze a wide range of proteins. It works by cleaving peptide bonds within protein molecules, resulting in the breakdown of the proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. This proteolytic activity makes subtilisin E useful in various applications, such as detergent production, food processing, and biotechnology.
In the detergent industry, subtilisin E is added to laundry detergents as a stain-removing agent. It is effective at breaking down protein-based stains, such as grass, blood, and food stains, by degrading the proteins causing them. Its stability and compatibility with different detergent formulations make it a valuable ingredient in laundry products.
Subtilisin E also finds applications in the food industry, where it is used for tenderizing meats, improving dough elasticity, enhancing flavor development, and reducing allergenic compounds in food products. Additionally, it is utilized in biotechnology research as a tool for protein analysis and modification.
Overall, subtilisin E is a versatile enzyme with significant industrial applications, characterized by its ability to degrade proteins and its wide substrate specificity. Its enzymatic properties make it a valuable ingredient in detergent formulations, food processing, and biotechnological research.
The word "Subtilisin E" is derived from two main components: "subtilisin" and "E".
1. Subtilisin: The term "subtilisin" comes from the Latin word "subtilis", meaning "fine" or "subtle". It is a class of proteolytic enzymes that was first discovered in the bacteria Bacillus subtilis. The name "subtilisin" was coined to describe the enzyme's ability to cleave peptide bonds with great precision.
2. E: The letter "E" signifies a specific variant or strain within the subtilisin enzyme family. In the field of protein engineering and molecular biology, enzymes are often given different names or labels to distinguish and identify particular variants with unique properties. The addition of "E" to the end of "subtilisin" signifies a particular type or version of this enzyme.
