PEPTIDOLYTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Peptidolytic is an adjective that refers to a substance, enzyme, or process that is capable of breaking down or degrading peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. This term is often used in the context of biological systems and biochemical processes.
In the field of biochemistry, peptidolytic enzymes play a crucial role in the digestion and metabolism of proteins. These enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of peptide bonds, which are the chemical bonds holding amino acids together in a peptide chain. By breaking these bonds, peptidolytic enzymes can cleave peptides into smaller fragments or individual amino acids, facilitating their absorption and utilization by the body.
Peptidolytic activity can also have implications in various physiological and pathological conditions. For example, certain bacteria produce peptidolytic enzymes that aid in the breakdown of peptides as a source of energy. In some cases, peptidolytic activity can contribute to the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, which are important for maintaining tissue integrity and function. Alterations in peptidolytic function have been associated with the development of certain diseases, such as cancer, where excessive degradation of proteins can result in abnormal tissue growth and metastasis.
Overall, peptidolytic refers to processes or substances involved in the enzymatic degradation of peptides. Understanding the mechanisms underlying peptidolytic activity is crucial for studying protein metabolism, cellular processes, and the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Causing the cleavage or digestion of peptids.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PEPTIDOLYTIC
- peptidolytmc
- peptidolythc
- peptidolytis
- peptidolytik
- peptidolytig
- peptidolytia
- peptidolytib
- peptidewlytic
- peptiduelytic
- peptidleytic
- pept idolytic
- pepti dolytic
- peptid olytic
- peptido lytic
- peptidol ytic
- peptidoly tic
- peptidolyt ic
- peptidolyti c
Etymology of PEPTIDOLYTIC
The word "peptidolytic" is derived from two main components: "peptide" and "lytic".
1. "Peptide": The term "peptide" originates from the Greek word "peptos", which means "digested" or "pre-digested". It was coined in the early 20th century by the German physiologist Emil Fischer when he discovered that certain proteins yield smaller fragments upon hydrolysis. The term "peptide" refers to a short chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.
2. "Lytic": The word "lytic" comes from the Greek term "lysis", which means "loosening" or "splitting". It was first used in the early 19th century and is commonly associated with the concept of "dissolving", "breaking down", or "destroying".
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