Cocoonase is a trypsin-like[1] proteolytic enzyme[2] produced by silkworms (of both Bombyx,[3] Heliconius[4] and Antheraea[5][6] species) as they near the final stages of their metamorphosis.
It is produced by cells in the proboscis[7] and exuded onto the galeae.
[8] Its function is to weaken the fibers of the cocoon, thereby facilitating the emergence of the adult insect.
It was discovered by Carroll Williams.
This enzyme-related article is a stub.