Proteolytic Enzyme

There are many different types of enzymes that work in the functioning of the human body. Here we are going to discuss one specific type of enzyme that exists in the human body. The enzymes that we are going to talk about in this article are proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes are also known as protease. 

One of the main functions of these enzymes is to catalyze the entire process of breakdown that happens to the proteins. These enzymes help in breaking down the proteins into amino acids or shorter polypeptides in the best way. These enzymes also undergo the process of proteolysis due to the presence of hydrolyzing peptide bonds.

Proteolytic or Protease Enzyme Definition

There is a lot to know about pancreatic enzymes and hence we are going to talk more about the definition of it so that the students can understand it in a better way. This enzyme is basically the one that helps in the catalyzing of the process of hydrolysis of certain peptide bonds that are present in the proteins of the body. There are so many living organisms in which this enzyme is present. But what does it do exactly? Well, this particular enzyme helps in the process of digestion in organisms and it also aids in the absorption of certain proteins as well.

Most of the living organisms have this particular enzyme present in them. Some of the examples of such living organisms include algae, bacteria, animals, and plants. In fact, there are some viruses that contain this particular enzyme as well. These enzymes are mostly involved in the process of digestion and catabolism of proteins. Not to mention that these pancreatic enzymes also have an important role in cell signalling.

Different Types of Proteolytic Enzymes

When it comes to the types of enzymes secreted by pancreas or the proteolytic enzymes, there are some different types that you might need to know about. These different types of enzymes tend to have a part to play in different biochemical processes as well. The proteolytic enzymes are basically divided into 2 different but broad groups.

1. Exopeptidase: 

These are the enzymes that are responsible for the catalyzing of the cleavage that is present on the terminal peptide bond. Some of the main examples of exopeptidase are aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase. Students can find more details about these in the enzymes ppt.

2. Endopeptidase: 

These are the other type of Proteolytic enzymes that are found in the body. One of the main functions that they have is the facilitation of the cleavage of certain internal peptide bonds consisting of proteins. Some of the main examples of such enzymes include trypsin, pepsin, elastase, chymotrypsin, and so many others.

During different pH ranges, there are different types of enzymes present in the pancreatic juice that tend to remain active. For example, in the case of acid proteases, basic proteases, or alkaline proteases, different enzymes tend to stay active.

What are the Different Functions of Proteolytic Enzymes?

It is known to all that proteolytic enzymes have a very important role to play in certain biological processes. To be completely detailed, it can be said without a single speck of doubt that these enzymes are mostly essential for certain cellular and metabolic processes as well. Here we are going to have a discussion about certain functions that these enzymes have. Students can refer to the protease enzymes slideshare if they want to have some additional information.

One of the main things to know about these enzymes is that they are proteolytic in nature and hence they tend to be a great help when it comes to catabolism as well as the digestion of certain proteins present in the organisms. These enzymes have a very important role to play in the catalyzing of the hydrolysis process of certain peptide bonds. This in turn assists in the conversion of these peptide bonds into amino acids. That is then absorbed properly by the cells and further utilized for different purposes.

Another one of the essential functions of these particular protease enzymes is that they help in the process of blood coagulation. Also, they are involved in a certain process of cell division, apoptosis, growth of cells, and migration processes too. These enzymes also tend to help in the process of recycling as well as the transportation of proteins along different membranes. Also, one important function of Proteolytic enzymes is that they are actively involved in the process of activation of zymogens and precursor proteins.

One of the benefits of the protease enzyme is that it is helpful in providing proper immune support to the body and regulation of the entire process of metastasis, tumour growth, inflammation, and other problems. These enzymes also help with muscle soreness and wound healing.