Proteolysis

Proteolysis is the directed degradation (digestion) of proteins by cellular enzymes called proteases or by intramolecular digestion.

Related Topics:
Protein - Enzyme - Protease

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Proteolysis is used by the cell for several purposes. They include

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• Removal of N-terminal methionine residues after translation.
• Removal of the signal sequence of peptides after their transport through a membrane
• Separation of viral proteins that were translated from a monocistronic mRNA
• Digestion of proteins from foods as a source of amino acids
• Conversion of predecessor-proteins (proenzymes, zymogens, prehormones) into their final structures.

Examples of proteases are trypsin and chymotrypsin.

Related Topics:
Trypsin - Chymotrypsin

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