SUBTILISINS Meaning and
Definition
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Subtilisins are a group of proteolytic enzymes that belong to the serine protease family. These enzymes are derived from the bacteria Bacillus subtilis, hence their name. Subtilisins are known for their ability to efficiently hydrolyze proteins at specific amino acid bonds, resulting in the breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or individual amino acids.
Subtilisins are widely used in various industrial and biotechnological applications due to their robustness, specificity, and stability under different conditions. They are commonly employed as detergents in laundry and dishwashing products, as they possess excellent protein-stain removal capabilities. These enzymes are also utilized in the food industry for the improvement of processes such as cheese production, brewing, and meat tenderization.
In addition to their industrial relevance, subtilisins play a crucial role in several biological processes. They are involved in the digestion of dietary proteins in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, aiding in the assimilation of essential amino acids. Subtilisins also participate in the regulation of various physiological functions, including blood clotting, immune response, and inflammation.
The structure of subtilisins typically consists of a catalytic triad of amino acids (serine, histidine, and aspartate) that actively cleave peptide bonds. Their active site highly restricts substrate specificity, allowing precise and controlled proteolysis. Research and engineering efforts continue to focus on enhancing the properties of subtilisins, such as thermal stability, specificity, and resistance to inhibitors, to broaden their applications in different fields.
Common Misspellings for SUBTILISINS
- aubtilisins
- zubtilisins
- xubtilisins
- dubtilisins
- eubtilisins
- wubtilisins
- sybtilisins
- shbtilisins
- sjbtilisins
- sibtilisins
- s8btilisins
- s7btilisins
- suvtilisins
- suntilisins
- suhtilisins
- sugtilisins
- subrilisins
- subfilisins
- subgilisins
- subyilisins
Etymology of SUBTILISINS
The word "subtilisins" is derived from the Latin word "subtilis", which means "subtle" or "fine". This is because subtilisins are a group of proteolytic enzymes that are known for their ability to cleave protein bonds in a precise and subtle manner. They were initially discovered in Bacillus subtilis, a species of bacteria from which they were isolated, hence the name.
