Alliinases are a class of enzymes found in plants of the genus Allium, such as garlic and onions. Alliinase is responsible for catalyzing chemical reactions that produce the volatile chemicals that give these foods their flavors, odors, and tear-inducing properties. Alliinases are part of the plant's defense against herbivores. Alliinase is normally sequestered within a plant cell, but when the plant is damaged by a feeding animal, the alliinase is released to catalyze the production of the pung… (More on Alliinase)