protease

pro·te·ase  (prt-s, -z)

n.

Any of various enzymes, including the endopeptidases and exopeptidases, that catalyze the hydrolytic breakdown of proteins into peptides or amino acids.

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protease [ˈprəʊtɪˌeɪs]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) any enzyme involved in proteolysis

[from protein + -ase]

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protease  (prt-s)

Any of various enzymes that bring about the breakdown of proteins into peptides or amino acids by hydrolysis. Pepsin is an example of a protease.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

protease - any enzyme that catalyzes the splitting of proteins into smaller peptide fractions and amino acids by a process known as proteolysis peptidase, proteinase, proteolytic enzyme caspase - any of a group of proteases that mediate apoptosis enzyme - any of several complex proteins that are produced by cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions angiotensin converting enzyme, angiotensin-converting enzyme, ACE - proteolytic enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II plasminogen activator, urokinase - protease produced in the kidney that converts plasminogen to plasmin and so initiates fibrinolysis renin - a proteolytic enzyme secreted by the kidneys; catalyzes the formation of angiotensin and thus affects blood pressure