protease
protease — noun
- proteasesingular
- proteasesplural
1. a biological molecule produced by living cells that cuts proteins into short cha
a biological molecule produced by living cells that cuts proteins into short chains or single building blocks, helping the body digest food and recycle old cell components
Amelia's stomach produces protease to digest the proteins from the meal she ate.
Scientists at the lab studied how a new protease cuts milk proteins during cheese-making.
collocation: protease cuts [protein substance]
Without enough protease, the body cannot properly digest the protein in food.
Papaya fruit contains a natural protease that tenderises meat when used in cooking.
Hari learned that some viruses make their own protease to complete their life cycle.
- proteolytic enzyme
broader term covering any enzyme that breaks down proteins; less specific than 'protease'
- peptidase
a subtype of protease that specifically breaks the bonds between amino acids
- proteinase
an alternative name for protease, often used to describe endopeptidases that cut proteins at internal sites
文法句型
protease + noun (protease inhibitor, protease activity)
用法筆記
Common in scientific and medical writing. Frequently paired with 'inhibitor' to describe drugs that block protease activity, especially in HIV and antiviral treatments.