METALLOENDOPEPTIDASES Meaning and
Definition
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Metalloendopeptidases are a class of enzymes that play a crucial role in the process of protein degradation or modification in living organisms. These enzymes belong to the broader category of endopeptidases, which specifically cleave the interior peptide bonds within a protein molecule to produce smaller peptide fragments. What sets metalloendopeptidases apart from other endopeptidases is their dependency on metal ions, usually zinc, for their catalytic activity.
Metalloendopeptidases are characterized by their ability to hydrolyze peptide bonds through a process known as proteolysis. This process involves the addition of a water molecule to the peptide bond, resulting in the breaking of the bond and the release of individual amino acids or smaller peptide fragments. Metalloendopeptidases have a diverse range of substrates and can target various protein molecules in different cellular contexts. They are involved in essential biological processes such as protein turnover, cell signaling, and regulation of gene expression.
Due to their pivotal role in protein metabolism, metalloendopeptidases have drawn significant attention as potential therapeutic targets. Modulating their activity can have profound effects on cellular processes, making them attractive candidates for the development of drugs to treat various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Overall, metalloendopeptidases are a group of enzymes that employ metal ions, particularly zinc, to catalyze the hydrolysis of peptide bonds, thereby playing a significant role in the regulation of protein metabolism within living organisms.
Common Misspellings for METALLOENDOPEPTIDASES
- netalloendopeptidases
- ketalloendopeptidases
- jetalloendopeptidases
- mwtalloendopeptidases
- mstalloendopeptidases
- mdtalloendopeptidases
- mrtalloendopeptidases
- m4talloendopeptidases
- m3talloendopeptidases
- meralloendopeptidases
- mefalloendopeptidases
- megalloendopeptidases
- meyalloendopeptidases
- me6alloendopeptidases
- me5alloendopeptidases
- metzlloendopeptidases
- metslloendopeptidases
- metwlloendopeptidases
- metqlloendopeptidases
- metakloendopeptidases
Etymology of METALLOENDOPEPTIDASES
The word "Metalloendopeptidases" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
"Metallo-" comes from the Greek word "metallon", meaning "metal". This prefix indicates that the enzyme requires a metal ion for its catalytic activity.
"Endo-" is a combining form that comes from the Greek word "endon", meaning "within". It suggests that the enzyme cleaves peptide bonds within a protein or peptide, as opposed to "exo-" which means "outside" and would imply cleavage at the ends of the molecule.
"Peptidases" is derived from the Latin word "peptidum", which means "peptide", combined with the suffix "-ase", denoting an enzyme. Thus, "peptidases" refers to enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of peptides.
