Proteases are responsible for breaking down which type of macromolecule?

Proteases are enzymes that specifically catalyze the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids. This process is essential for various physiological functions, including digestion, cellular repair, and the regulation of biological pathways. The term "protease" is derived from "protein" and "ase," where "ase" signifies an enzyme.

In contrast, other types of macromolecules are broken down by different classes of enzymes: carbohydrates such as starch and sugars are processed by carbohydrases, while fats are broken down by lipases. Understanding these distinctions is key in biochemistry and physiology, as it highlights the specificity of enzyme action, which is crucial for metabolism and digestion in living organisms.