Proteolysis

Definition

Proteolysis is the enzymatic breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids. It plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including digestion, cell regulation, and the removal of damaged proteins.

Related terms

Enzymes: Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body, including proteolysis.

Amino acids: The building blocks of proteins that are released during proteolysis and used for various bodily functions.

Peptide bond: A chemical bond linking two amino acids together in a protein, which is broken during proteolysis