protease

[ proh-tee-eys, -eyz ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolytic degradation of proteins or polypeptides to smaller amino acid polymers.

protease

/ ˈprəʊtɪˌeɪs /

noun

1. any enzyme involved in proteolysis

protease

/ prō′tē-ās′ /

1. Any of various enzymes that bring about the breakdown of proteins into peptides or amino acids by hydrolysis. Pepsin is an example of a protease.

Word History and Origins

Origin of protease¹

First recorded in 1900–05; prote(in) + -ase

Word History and Origins

Origin of protease¹

C20: from protein + -ase

Example Sentences

"Even the simplest cells contain proteases and nucleases and regularly degrade and replace their proteins and RNAs, indicating that SAI is essential for life," he explains.

From Science Daily

Their report, which will appear in Science, shows that an alternative medication, a viral papain-like protease inhibitor, inhibits disease progression in animals, a necessary step before human drug trials.

From Science Daily

These sensors consist of polymer nanoparticles coated with a reporter, such as a DNA barcode, that is cleaved from the particle when the sensor encounters enzymes called proteases, which are often overactive in tumors.

From Science Daily

If the desired protease is present in its active form in the sample, the peptide splits it.

From Science Daily

It would be difficult to create safe drugs that target the domains of the enzyme needed for protease or helicase functions, as human cells have many similar molecules.

From Science Daily