PROTEOLYTIC CLEAVAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Proteolytic cleavage refers to the process of enzymatic breakdown or hydrolysis of proteins, resulting in the fragmentation of these macromolecules into smaller polypeptides. Proteolytic cleavage plays a crucial role in various biological processes such as protein activation, regulation, and degradation.
Enzymes known as proteases are responsible for catalyzing proteolytic cleavage reactions. These proteases possess specific pockets or active sites that recognize and bind to certain amino acid sequences within a protein molecule. Upon binding, the protease then initiates the cleavage of the peptide bond between adjacent amino acids.
Proteolytic cleavage can occur at specific sites within a protein, guided by highly conserved amino acid sequences known as protease recognition sites or cleavage sites. These cleavage sites are often characterized by specific amino acid residues or motifs, such as lysine (K), arginine (R), or aspartic acid (D). Cleavage can also occur in a non-specific manner, as some proteases have the ability to randomly hydrolyze peptide bonds in proteins.
The significance of proteolytic cleavage lies in its ability to modulate protein structure and function. It can activate inactive precursor proteins or proenzymes by removing inhibitory regions, leading to the generation of active protein products. Cleavage can also regulate protein activity by exposing or hiding key functional domains or motifs. Additionally, proteolytic cleavage is involved in protein degradation processes like the recycling of damaged or denatured proteins, as well as the selective removal of unnecessary or malfunctioning proteins within a cell.
Overall, proteolytic cleavage is an essential molecular process that maintains protein homeostasis, controls protein function, and regulates various biological activities within living organisms.
Common Misspellings for PROTEOLYTIC CLEAVAGE
- oroteolytic cleavage
- lroteolytic cleavage
- 0roteolytic cleavage
- peoteolytic cleavage
- pdoteolytic cleavage
- pfoteolytic cleavage
- ptoteolytic cleavage
- p5oteolytic cleavage
- p4oteolytic cleavage
- priteolytic cleavage
- prkteolytic cleavage
- prlteolytic cleavage
- prpteolytic cleavage
- pr0teolytic cleavage
- pr9teolytic cleavage
- proreolytic cleavage
- profeolytic cleavage
- progeolytic cleavage
- proyeolytic cleavage
- pro6eolytic cleavage
Etymology of PROTEOLYTIC CLEAVAGE
The word "proteolytic" derives from two Greek roots: "proteo" meaning "protein" and "lytic" meaning "to dissolve or to destroy". "Cleavage" is derived from the Old French word "cleofe" meaning "a split or a cut". Therefore, "proteolytic cleavage" refers to the process of cutting or splitting a protein molecule through enzymatic activity or chemical means in a way that results in the breakdown or destruction of the protein.
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