Activation of proteolytic enzymes during autolysis of disintegrated baker's yeast.

Disintegration substantially accelerates autolysis of yeast cells. Three proteases (A, B, and C) take part in the autolytic process, protease A being the activator of the other two enzymes. The role of proteases B and C in the process depends on temperature. At 40 degrees C both proteases are active while at 50 degrees C the major role is played by protease C. At 40 degrees C NaCl acts as inhibitor while at 50 degrees C it activates the process.