Most enzymes are proteins that have evolved to function as catalysts for chemical reactions in living systems. Some fruits contain proteases, a group of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of peptide linkages in proteins. This can have an undesired effect in a gelatin salad containing fruit, because proteases in the fruit can cleave the proteins that make up the structure of gelatin so that it will not set. This is the reason for the warning on many gelatin packages "Do not use with fresh or frozen pineapple." Other fruits may also be included in the warning. Fresh pinepple, papaya, kiwi, and figs contain the proteases bromelain, papain, actinidin, and ficin, respectively. When the enzymes are denatured, which can result from heating during the canning process, they lose their ability to cleave proteins.
Supplement
The activity sheet is available as a pdf file, which can be accessed using Acrobat Reader.
The "Chemistry Teacher Connection" (CTC) is especially for high school chemistry teachers. For only $40/year, it offers an online-only subscription to CLIC along with membership in the Division of Chemical Education, normally $65/year. CTC subscribers receive access to all articles and supplements from 1996 through the current issue.
Through special arrangement with the ACS, JCE High School CLIC is now able to provide subscribers with online access to Chemical & Engineering News articles that have been selected specifically for secondary science instructors and their students.
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