Proteinase K is widely used in molecular biology for its ability to digest proteins and remove contaminants from nucleic acid preparations. It is particularly valuable in DNA and RNA extraction protocols, where it helps degrade nucleases that could otherwise degrade the target nucleic acids. This enzyme is also employed in tissue digestion for histology and in the preparation of samples for various analytical techniques, such as Western blotting and mass spectrometry. Additionally, Proteinase K is utilized in the study of protein structure and function, as it can cleave peptide bonds in a broad range of proteins, making it a versatile tool in biochemical research.