Using Fig. 5.1 as a reference, describe how the activity of papain differs from that of ficin over the range $20\,^{\circ}\text{C}$ to $80\,^{\circ}\text{C}$.
Ficin and papain have been found to work effectively in the digestion of parasitic nematodes (roundworms). Using Fig. 5.1, explain which enzyme you would choose for an oral medicine to treat human intestinal parasitic nematodes.
One commercial application of ficin is making Fab fragments (antigen binding regions) of mouse IgG antibodies for immunological studies. The method uses immobilised ficin to cut the antibodies in the hinge region. Suggest one practical benefit of using immobilised ficin in this process instead of ficin in free solution.
Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterium that can cause a variety of diseases in humans. S. pyogenes produces streptopain, a cysteine protease that hydrolyses structural proteins in human connective tissue. Streptopain is released outside the cell. State the term used for an enzyme that is made by a cell and then secreted to the outside, where it acts.
Suggest one example of a structural protein found in connective tissue that streptopain can hydrolyse.