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An exceptional urease is obtained from Helicobacter sp.. These are composed of two subunits, α(26–31 kDa)-β(61–66 kDa). These subunits form a supramolecular (αβ)12 dodecameric complex.cite-ref-pmid11373617-11-0[11] of repeating α-β subunits, each coupled pair of subunits has an active site, for a total of 12 active sites.cite-ref-pmid11373617-11-1[11] It plays an essential function for survival, neutralizing gastric acid by allowing urea to enter into periplasm via a proton-gated urea channel.cite-ref-pmid23222544-12-0[12] The presence of urease is used in the diagnosis of Helicobacter species.

All bacterial ureases are solely cytoplasmic, except for those in Helicobacter pylori, which along with its cytoplasmic activity, has external activity with host cells. In contrast, all plant ureases are cytoplasmic.cite-ref-molecular-catalysis-b-2009-10-2[10]

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