Enzyme 42

Enzyme 42 is an enzyme found in every life form on Planet 4546B but is only produced by the Sea Emperor and Sea Emperor Juveniles. It seems to be the only known cure for Carar.

It does not exactly cure the Carar, rather the Carar mistakes it for a living cell and attaches to it, this leads to the Carar being neutralized.

Data Bank Entry

This previously unknown protein chain has been identified in every living creature on the planet, but is only produced by the sea emperor. While it shares some commonalities with the digestive enzymes found in the stomachs of many indigenous species, it has one unique function. The alien bacterium functions by attaching to and modifying cellular genetic information. When it encounters enzyme 42 it mistakes the enzyme for a living cell of the host organism and immediately attaches to it. The enzyme is not strictly a cure, since it leaves the attacking bacteria intact and merely neutralizes the symptoms. It has nonetheless protected the indigenous ecosystem from undesirable genetic mutation.

Trivia

• The name is a reference to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, with the meaning of life being 42.