An aspartic proteinase structurally homologous with pepsin, formed from prochymosin; the milk-curdling enzyme obtained from the glandular layer of the stomach of the calf. Acts on a single peptide bond (—Phe—Met—) in κ-casein. SYN: chymase, pexin, rennase, rennet, rennin.
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chy·mo·sin (kiґmo-sin) [EC 3.4.23.4] an enzyme of the hydrolase class that catalyzes the cleavage of a single bond in casein to form soluble paracasein, which then reacts with calcium to form a curd, insoluble paracasein. It is found in the fourth stomach of the calf and other ruminants. A commercial preparation, rennet, is used for making cheese and rennet custards. Called also rennin (not to be confused with renin).Medical dictionary. 2011.