protease

views updated May 23 2018

protease An enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of the peptide bonds of proteins and peptides. There are two types: endopeptidases (proteinases) primarily attack interior peptide bonds, while exopeptidases act on those adjacent to a free amino or carboxyl group.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

protease

views updated May 29 2018

protease An enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of the peptide bonds of proteins and peptides. There are 2 types: endopeptidases (proteinases) primarily attack interior peptide bonds; exopeptidases act on those adjacent to a free amino or carboxyl group.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

protease

views updated May 23 2018

protease (peptidase; proteinase; proteolytic enzyme) Any enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of proteins into smaller peptide fractions and amino acids, a process known as proteolysis. Examples are pepsin and trypsin. Several proteases, acting sequentially, are normally required for the complete digestion of a protein to its constituent amino acids. See also acid protease.

A Dictionary of Biology