Protease (Noun)
Meaning
Any enzyme that catalyzes the splitting of proteins into smaller peptide fractions and amino acids by a process known as proteolysis.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Protease is a crucial enzyme for protein digestion in the stomach, where it catalyzes the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides.
- Many proteases have highly specific substrates and catalytic mechanisms that allow them to target specific protein sequences.
- Serine protease has been extensively studied due to its diverse range of biological functions, including inflammation, immune response, and coagulation.
- Proteases play a key role in various diseases, including muscular dystrophy, arthritis, and viral infections, by degrading proteins that maintain tissue integrity.
- Researchers have identified numerous plant-derived protease inhibitors that have potential applications in the development of novel therapeutics for protein-based disorders.