Proteolysis
Proteolysis
Proteolysis (pronunciation: /ˌproʊtiˈɒlɪsɪs/) is a process in which proteins are broken down into their constituent amino acids by the action of enzymes. The term is derived from the Greek words "proteios" meaning "primary" and "lysis" meaning "loosening".
Etymology
The term "Proteolysis" is derived from two Greek words: "proteios" (πρωτεῖος), meaning "primary" or "in the lead", and "lysis" (λύσις), meaning "loosening" or "dissolving". The term was first used in the late 19th century to describe the enzymatic digestion of proteins.
Process
Proteolysis is a multi-step process that begins with the unfolding of the protein to expose the peptide bonds. This is followed by the cleavage of these bonds by protease enzymes. The resulting peptides are then further broken down into individual amino acids, which can be reused by the cell to synthesize new proteins.
Types of Proteolysis
There are several types of proteolysis, including endoproteolysis, where the protein is cleaved at internal sites, and exoproteolysis, where the protein is cleaved from the ends. Other types include limited proteolysis, which only partially digests the protein, and unlimited proteolysis, which completely digests the protein.
Role in the Body
Proteolysis plays a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including protein turnover, cell cycle progression, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. It is also involved in the activation of certain enzymes and hormones, and in the regulation of gene expression.
Related Terms
- Protease: An enzyme that carries out proteolysis.
- Peptide: A short chain of amino acids, produced by proteolysis.
- Amino Acid: The building blocks of proteins, released during proteolysis.
- Protein turnover: The balance between protein synthesis and proteolysis.
- Apoptosis: A form of programmed cell death, regulated by proteolysis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Proteolysis
- Wikipedia's article - Proteolysis
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