It is scientifically and industrially important 1 to clarify the stabilizing mechanism of proteases in extraordinary envi-ronments. We used subtilisins ALPI and Sendai as models to study the mechanism. Subtilisin ALPI is extremely sensitive to highly alkaline conditions, even though the enzyme is produced by alkalophilicBacillus, whereas sub-tilisin Sendai from alkalophilic Bacillusis stable under conditions of high alkalinity.