On enzymatic clotting processes. Part 3.—Flocculation rate constants of paracasein and fibrin

Abstract

Flocculation rate constants of micellar paracasein and fibrin have been determined from the lag phase in the enzymatic clotting. Without exception these rate constants turn out to be very small. Different arguments are put forward to demonstrate that the retardation in the clotting of paracasein is chiefly of a steric nature. The activation energy of the clotting process becomes negative beyond 310 K, which is ascribed to the growing influence of the London–van der Waals attraction as the micelles become discharged by the enzyme.