Peptidase
Peptidase
Peptidase (pronounced: pep-ti-dase) is an enzyme that performs proteolysis, which is the breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or single amino acids.
Etymology
The term "peptidase" is derived from the words "peptide" and "hydrolase". "Peptide" is a compound consisting of two or more amino acids linked in a chain, while "hydrolase" is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of a chemical compound.
Function
Peptidases are crucial for the digestion of proteins in the diet, the turnover of proteins in cells, and also play a role in numerous biological functions, including the process of blood clotting, inflammation, and cell signaling.
Classification
Peptidases can be classified into various types based on their catalytic mechanism. The main types include Serine peptidases, Threonine peptidases, Cysteine peptidases, Aspartic peptidases, Metallopeptidases, and Glutamic peptidases.
Related Terms
- Protease: An enzyme that performs proteolysis.
- Protein: A large biomolecule or macromolecule that is composed of one or more long chains of amino acid residues.
- Amino Acid: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins.
- Enzyme: A substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Peptidase
- Wikipedia's article - Peptidase
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