fehérjelebontást

Fehérjelebontás, often translated as protein catabolism or proteolysis, refers to the metabolic process by which proteins are broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids. This process is essential for several biological functions. In the digestive system, it begins with the breakdown of dietary proteins into amino acids, which are then absorbed and used for building new proteins, energy production, or synthesis of other molecules. Enzymes called proteases catalyze these reactions, with specific proteases acting at different stages and on different types of peptide bonds.

Beyond digestion, protein catabolism is crucial for cellular turnover. Old or damaged proteins within cells are continuously degraded and replaced, a process vital for maintaining cellular health and function. This intracellular proteolysis is carried out by complex molecular machinery like the proteasome and lysosomes. Furthermore, during periods of starvation or extreme stress, the body can break down its own muscle proteins to provide amino acids for essential functions, highlighting the role of catabolism in energy homeostasis. The rate and regulation of protein breakdown are tightly controlled to meet the body's metabolic demands and adapt to changing conditions.