What is "chymosin"

Rennin \Ren"nin\ (r[e^]n"n[i^]n), n. (Biochem.) A milk-clotting enzyme obtained from the true stomach (abomasum) of a suckling calf. Mol. wt. about 31,000. Also called chymosin, rennase, and abomasal enzyme.
--[Merck Man. 11]

n. (context enzyme English) The proteolytic enzyme rennin

n. an enzyme that occurs in gastric juice; causes milk to coagulate [syn: rennin]

Chymosin or rennin is a protease found in rennet. It is an aspartic endopeptidase belongs to MEROPS A1 family. It is produced by newborn ruminant animals in the lining of the fourth stomach to curdle the milk they ingest, allowing a longer residence in the bowels and better absorption. It is widely used in the production of cheese. Bovine chymosin is now produced recombinantly in , Aspergillus niger var awamori, and as alternative resource.