Malate Dehydrogenase: Properties, Structure, and Practical Information

What is Malate Dehydrogenase?

Malate Dehydrogenase stands out as an essential enzyme in cellular metabolism, specifically involved in the citric acid cycle. This protein catalyzes the reversible conversion of malate to oxaloacetate and plays a central part in energy production, influencing many life science fields ranging from biotech research to diagnostics. Sourced from various organisms, including bacteria, plants, humans, and yeast, the material takes different forms but keeps its core function. Researchers rely on high-quality enzyme preparations to track metabolic pathways and understand energy transfer.

Products and Forms

Malate Dehydrogenase shows versatility through its various product forms—solid, crystalline, flaked, powdered, and occasionally in solution or as pearls. Each form supports specific needs in lab or industry settings. Flakes and powders dissolve in appropriate solutions, making them suitable for experimental assays or manufacturing processes. Pearl and solid forms offer longer shelf life in storage, while liquid and crystal preparations fit immediate or sensitive applications. Users can find the enzyme in concentrations matching exact experimental needs, ensuring accurate and repeatable outcomes.

Molecular Structure and Properties

Taking a close look at the molecular level, Malate Dehydrogenase has a molecular formula commonly denoted as C4H6O5 when referencing its substrate, while the complete enzyme structure reflects a complex polypeptide sequence with a defined molecular mass. Typically the enzyme’s molar mass ranges around 70 kilodaltons for its dimeric form, depending on the source. In crystalline or powdered forms, the density varies between 1.2 and 1.5 g/cm³, depending on hydration and packing. These specifications help scientists calibrate solutions or design reaction mixes accurately.

Specifications and HS Code

Every shipment or batch of Malate Dehydrogenase comes marked with clear specifications, including purity (often greater than 95% by SDS-PAGE), specific activity, and format. These details give users confidence in consistency from batch to batch. In customs and logistics, the product usually gets cataloged under HS Code 3507.90, which applies to enzyme preparations for industrial uses. Having this code readily available speeds up shipments and ensures compliance with importing rules worldwide.

Material and Raw Chemical Context

Raw material sourcing matters for Malate Dehydrogenase. Producers typically obtain the enzyme via bacterial fermentation or yeast expression systems, guaranteeing high yield and purity with minimized contaminants. Each production run stresses sterility and consistent parameters, reducing unwanted chemical byproducts. The chosen method influences the end product’s format—crystals, flakes, or powders—through detailed purification steps and controlled drying processes. Reliable suppliers document their raw materials and manufacturing methods, offering traceability essential for regulated industries and academic research.

Physical Characteristics: Flakes, Solid, Powder, Pearls, Solution, and Crystal

Each physical form fits different workflows. Flakes and powders dissolve easily in laboratory buffers, which helps in applications demanding quick and complete solubilization. Solid and crystalline formats meet the needs of sectors where stability during transport or long-term storage proves essential. Pearls, with their uniform size, allow precise measurement and easy handling with less dust or waste. Liquid and solution versions save time for frequent users by eliminating extra dissolving steps. Choosing the right format depends on a project’s technical requirements and the lab’s protocols.

Density and Physical Data

Density sits close to 1.36 g/cm³ for lyophilized forms, which aids precise calculations during solution preparation. Crystalline and solid formats maintain similar dense packing, offering improved handling for specific dosing. Liquid forms see slightly higher values due to solvents and added preservatives. Accurate density figures let lab professionals compute concentrations and control reaction conditions with greater accuracy, directly impacting experimental quality and reproducibility.

Safety, Chemical Hazards, and Handling

Malate Dehydrogenase generally classifies as safe when handled in appropriate lab conditions. Typical safety data indicate low acute toxicity through inhalation, ingestion, or contact, so routine PPE—gloves, goggles, lab coats—covers most scenarios. The enzyme does not appear on major hazardous chemical lists, nor does it produce harmful byproducts under normal use. For bulk amounts, good practice involves dust control, secure storage away from heat or moisture, and documentation for traceability. Emergency procedures for accidental exposure remain straightforward: plenty of water for rinsing and medical attention for unusual symptoms.

Sourcing, Supply, and Quality Assurance

For researchers and manufacturers, sourcing Malate Dehydrogenase from a reputable supplier ensures continuity and performance. Quality checks include batch testing, traceability to raw ingredients, and detailed certificates of analysis covering purity, activity, and stability. These measures help identify irregularities early and give users confidence, particularly in regulated spaces. Suppliers publish up-to-date documentation, answer technical queries, and offer batch-specific advice, supporting both large-scale projects and specialized lab research.

Applications Across Industries

Applications span molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and industrial biocatalysis. Labs use the enzyme to study metabolic disorders, design biosensors, and monitor the efficiency of fermentation processes. In education, it represents a teaching tool for understanding enzyme kinetics and biochemistry. Industrial biotech taps into Malate Dehydrogenase for manufacturing chemicals, food additives, and pharmaceuticals, taking advantage of its catalytic efficiency and well-characterized behavior. Reliable access to this material feeds both innovation and routine operations.