proteolysis

American  

[proh-tee-ol-uh-sis] / ˌproʊ tiˈɒl ə sɪs /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. the breaking down of proteins into simpler compounds, as in digestion.

---

proteolysis British  

/ ˌprəʊtɪəˈlɪtɪk, ˌprəʊtɪˈɒlɪsɪs /

noun

1. the hydrolysis of proteins into simpler compounds by the action of enzymes: occurs esp during digestion

---

Other Word Forms

• proteolytic adjective

Etymology

Origin of proteolysis

1875–80; proteo- (combining form representing protein ) + -lysis

Example Sentences

Natural killer cells kill foreign cells through the processes of lysis and proteolysis, whereas macrophages kill foreign cells by phagocytosis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

D651 and D674 built the actual catalytic dyad, whereas D657 and D676 are not directly involved in proteolysis.

From Nature • Apr. 4, 2014

HCl in the stomach aids in proteolysis, and hormones secreted by intestinal cells direct the digestive processes.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Trypsin and chymotrypsin break down large proteins into smaller peptides, a process called proteolysis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Further, increase in acidity increases proteolysis, thereby liberating alkaline ammonia-derivatives which tend to neutralize the rising acidity and so to restore normal neutrality or alkalinity.

From The Chemistry of Plant Life by Thatcher, Roscoe Wilfred