proteázu
Proteases, also known as proteázu, are a class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins. They play a crucial role in various biological processes, including digestion, blood clotting, and cell signaling. Proteases are classified into several families based on their structure, mechanism of action, and substrate specificity. Serine proteases, cysteine proteases, aspartic proteases, and metalloproteases are among the most well-known families. These enzymes are involved in numerous physiological functions, such as the activation of zymogens, the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, and the regulation of cellular processes. Proteases are also targets for many therapeutic agents, including antibiotics, antivirals, and anticancer drugs. The study of proteases has advanced significantly with the advent of modern molecular biology techniques, providing insights into their structure, function, and potential as drug targets.