Yeast lytic enzyme is used to digest the cell wall of active yeast cells. It is prepared from a submerged culture of Arthrobacter luteus which effectively lyses cell walls of viable yeast cell.

• Used for cell lysis, spheroplasting and glucan hydrolysis
• Activators: Dithiothreitol, 2-mercaptoethanol and other sulfhydryl compounds (such as cystein)

The primary enzyme in this preparation responsible for lysis of viable yeast cells is β-1,3-glucan laminaripentaohydrolase. It hydrolyzes glucose polymers at the β-1,3-glucan linkages releasing laminaripentaose as the principal product.

Unit definition: one unit will produce a change in absorbance at 800 nm of 0,001 per minute at pH 7,5 and 25 °C, using a suspension of brewers yeast as a substrate in a 3 ml reaction mixture.