endopeptidase

An endopeptidase is a type of enzyme that breaks down proteins. Specifically, it targets and hydrolyzes peptide bonds within the long chains of protein molecules, a process called proteolysis. This action distinguishes endopeptidases from exopeptidases, which act on the terminal ends of proteins.12

Endopeptidases are found in various organisms, including animals, plants, and bacteria, and play crucial roles in digestion. For instance, pepsin in the stomach and trypsin in the small intestine are well-known examples of endopeptidases that aid in breaking down food proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids for absorption.2