Biochemical characterization of a recombinant plant class III chitinase from the pitcher of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes alata

► Class III and IV chitinases are produced in the pitcher fluid of Nepenthes alata. ► The class III chitinase hydrolyzed polymeric and oligomeric substrates. ► The pH optimum varied between the Class III and Class IV chitinases. ► The difference is important for insect degradation in the pitcher fluid.