properties of matter : Freeze-dried powder. Catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea. Optimum pH:6.0. It is inhibited by heavy metals. One Unit oxides one micromole of NADH per minute at 25°C, pH7.6. The hydrolysis of urea is measured by coupling ammonia production to a glutamate dehydrogenase reaction.

molecular weight : 480000

summary : Urease occurs in many bacteria, several species of yeast and a number of higher plants. Varner (1960) has reviewed it. Two of the best sources are: Jack beans (Canavlia ensiformis) from which it has been crystallized and thoroughly studied, and Bacillus pasteurii.The enzyme is important in assaying for urea. See Guilbault and Montalvo (1970). Its immobilization has been reported: et al. (1974), James and Pring (1975), Messing (1974), Nakamoto et al. (1975), Sundaram (1973) and Tran-Minh and Broun (1975).

characteristic : Urease is specific for urea and hydroxyurea (Fishbein and Carbone 1965). See also Sundaram and Laidler (1970).