Protease - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A protease is an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids. It plays a key role in digestion, cell signaling, and other biological processes.
Definition:
An enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids.
Synonyms:
proteinase, peptidase, endopeptidase
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
inhibitor, stabilizer
Common Collocations:
protease inhibitor, protease activity, protease digestion
Derivatives:
proteolytic, proteolysis
Usage Tips:
Use "protease" when discussing enzymes that degrade proteins in biological or industrial contexts.
Common Phrases:
protease cascade, protease cleavage, protease-mediated degradation
Etymology:
From Greek "protos" (first) + "-ase" (enzyme suffix), referring to protein-digesting enzymes.
Examples:
- 1. Protease helps digest food by breaking down proteins in the stomach.
- 2. Scientists study protease to understand its role in viral infections.
- 3. Some detergents contain protease to remove protein-based stains effectively.
- 4. Protease inhibitors are used in medications to treat certain diseases.