Figure 5. Soluble extracts of mixed-stage N2 worms deacetylate chitin in vitro.

C. elegans soluble extract (14 µg total protein per lane) was denatured at 80°C and separated by SDS-PAGE under reducing and non-reducing conditions. Proteins were renatured for 24 hours at RT, enabling enzymes to act on glycol chitin embedded within the gel. Gels were stained with calcoflour. Hyperfluorescent bands mark zones where chitosan was produced. (Image is black/white reversed).