Proteases

Definition

Proteases are enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of proteins by hydrolyzing peptide bonds. They play crucial roles in various biological processes, including digestion, immune response, and cell regulation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Proteases are essential for protein catabolism and post-translational modifications.
2. They are classified into different families based on their catalytic mechanisms, such as serine proteases, cysteine proteases, and metalloproteases.
3. Proteases are utilized in biotechnology for applications like protein purification and recombinant protein production.
4. Inhibitors of proteases can serve as therapeutic agents against diseases like HIV and cancer.
5. Genomic studies have identified numerous genes encoding proteases, highlighting their evolutionary diversity.

Review Questions

• What role do proteases play in protein metabolism?
• How are proteases classified based on their catalytic mechanisms?
• Name a biotechnological application of proteases.

Related terms

Enzyme: Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process

Peptide bond: The chemical bond formed between amino acids during protein synthesis

Recombinant Protein: Proteins that are genetically engineered through recombinant DNA technology for research or therapeutic use