protease
nounUK /ˈprəʊtieɪz/
US /ˈproʊtieɪz/
A protease is a special tool in your body that breaks down protein foods into tiny pieces.
Protease in your stomach helps digest the protein in eggs and meat.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Any enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins.
Researchers studied how the protease cleaves peptide bonds in the lab.
3. A class of enzymes used in biotechnology and detergents to break down protein stains.
The laundry detergent contains a protease that removes grass stains.
4. A viral or bacterial enzyme that helps pathogens invade host tissues.
The virus uses a protease to cut its proteins into working parts.
5. A laboratory reagent used to remove proteins from DNA samples.
The scientist added protease to purify the DNA extract.