n. an enzyme produced in the stomach that coagulates milk. It is secreted by the gastric glands in an inactive form, prorennin, which is activated by hydrochloric acid. Rennin converts caseinogen (milk protein) into insoluble casein in the presence of calcium ions.

Where does the enzyme chymosin come from?

The chymosin is found in a wide range of tetrapods, although it is best known to be produced by ruminant animals in the lining of the abomasum. Chymosin is produced by gastric chief cells in newborn mammals to curdle the milk they ingest, allowing a longer residence in the bowels and better absorption.

What type of reaction does chymosin catalyze?

The primary reaction catalyzed by chymosin is the hydrolysis of K-casein into two products: para-g-casein and glycomacropeptide (GMP) by cleaving the Phe-Met bond (3, 8, 9).