Department of Biochemistry and Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A.
Abstract:
The venoms of Bitis arietans arietans, Bitis gabonica gabonica and Causus rhombeatus were tested for proteolytic activity against casein and hemoglobin at a number of pH values. B. arietans showed a relatively high activity. The pH dependence of the stability of proteolytic activity was also determined. All three venoms show a reduction in activity upon incubation with EDTA or dithiothreitol.