carboxypeptidase

views updated May 18 2018

carboxypeptidase Any enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of amino acid residues from the carboxyl terminus of a peptide or polypeptide (see exopeptidase). Pancreatic juice contains a carboxypeptidase that is secreted into the duodenum. The enzyme is secreted as an inactive precursor, procarboxypeptidase, which is activated by another pancreatic protease, trypsin. See also chymotrypsin.

A Dictionary of Biology

carboxypeptidase

views updated Jun 08 2018

carboxypeptidase An enzyme secreted in the pancreatic juice which is involved in the digestion of proteins.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

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carboxypeptidase

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