HighlightsIsomaltases (Imap) preferably cleave α-(1,6) bonds, yet show clear substrate ambiguity.With only 3 different aa, Ima3p activities and thermostability diverge from Ima2p.The most distant protein, Ima5p, is extremely sensitive to temperature.Ima5p nevertheless displays most of the same catalytic properties as Ima1p and Ima2p.Ima5p challenges previous conclusions about specific aa needs for the active site.