carboxypeptidase

[kahr-bok-see-pep-ti-deys, -deyz]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of several digestive enzymes that catalyze the removal of an amino acid from the end of a peptide chain having a free carbonyl group.

Word History and Origins

Origin of carboxypeptidase¹

carb- + oxy- ² + peptidase

Example Sentences

He joined the lab of ‘The Colonel’ William Lipscomb, and became a protein crystallographer, helping to solve the structure of the versatile enzyme carboxypeptidase A.

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Carboxypeptidase, described above, is an example of a protease.

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The enzyme carboxypeptidase catalyzes the breaking of the last peptide bond in the protein chain, releasing the end amino acid.

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Carboxypeptidase contains a zinc atom with a positive charge.

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In addition, carboxypeptidase can form hydrogen bonds with the terminal amino acid, further securing it in place.

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