noun
- an enzyme that breaks down proteins by cleaving peptide bonds within the protein chain rather than at the ends
Usage: biochemistry; technical
Examples
- The endopeptidase cleaved the protein at specific internal sites.
- Pepsin is a well-known endopeptidase found in the stomach.
- Researchers studied how the endopeptidase breaks down collagen.
- The enzyme’s endopeptidase activity was measured in the laboratory.
- Certain bacteria produce endopeptidases that help digest proteins.
- The endopeptidase cut the peptide chain into smaller fragments.