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Glite Dictionary
peptidase

peptidase

8.8
An enzyme that breaks proteins into smaller pieces called peptides and amino acids
  • noun
  • /ˈpɛp.tɪ.deɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : peptidasa
  • Research has shown that peptidases play a crucial role in digestion.
  • dipeptidyl peptidase
  • peptidase-4 inhibitor

Examples

  • Researchers discovered a new type of peptidase that acts specifically on dietary proteins.

  • The enzyme peptidase plays a vital role in protein digestion within the body.

  • Certain medicines can inhibit peptidase activity to help treat particular diseases.

  • The peptidase breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.

  • Peptidases are essential for digestion, as they catalyze the breakdown of proteins into amino acids in the stomach.

  • In the laboratory, scientists use peptidases to analyze protein structures and functions by facilitating their cleavage into smaller peptides.

  • Researchers discovered that specific peptidases can enhance the efficiency of protein digestion in various biological processes.

Synonyms

protease
vspeptidase
  • Specialized
7 7.7

An enzyme that breaks proteins into smaller pieces

is the more specific technical name focusing on peptide breakdown
proteolytic enzyme
vspeptidase
  • Specialized
1 4.4

A substance that breaks proteins into smaller parts living things can use

is a concise single-word technical term for the same enzymatic action
proteinase
vspeptidase
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A substance in living things that breaks proteins into smaller parts

is the systematic biochemical term used for the same enzyme

Surface Forms

peptidase singular
peptidases plural

Morphology

peptidase = peptide (opaque) = peptid + ase

While '-ase' is a common enzyme suffix, the meaning 'enzyme that breaks down peptides' is not fully transparent to average learners.

Etymology

The word peptidase starts with peptid-, from a Greek root meaning 'to digest', and ends with -ase, the common ending for enzymes like lipase and amylase. So, peptidase is an enzyme that 'digests' proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids.