Which enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down tissues into single-cell suspensions?

Collagenase is primarily responsible for breaking down tissues into single-cell suspensions because it specifically targets collagen, a major structural component in connective tissues. This enzymatic activity is essential for the dissociation of tissue architecture, allowing for the release of individual cells.

In various laboratory settings, particularly in cell culture and tissue processing, collagenase is frequently used to separate cells from tissues by degrading the collagen matrix that holds cells together. This is critical for procedures such as isolating primary cells for research or therapeutic purposes.

While hyaluronidase also plays a role in tissue dissociation by breaking down hyaluronic acid and can assist in creating single-cell suspensions, collagenase is more effective at targeting the broader matrix and is often utilized in protocols specifically for this purpose. The other enzymes listed, such as amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates, and catalase, which catalyzes the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, do not have the specific action on connective tissue that collagenase does, making it the clear choice for this process.