Catheptic

/kəˈθɛptɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or involving cathepsin; characteristic of the digestive or protein-breaking action of cathepsins.

Etymology

Cathepsin plus the suffix -ic, creating an adjective to describe processes or characteristics involving these enzymes. Used in biochemical and medical contexts to specify cathepsin-related phenomena.

Kelly Says

When your cells 'self-destruct' in a process called apoptosis, catheptic enzymes are the cleanup crew—which is actually a healthy, necessary process that prevents cancer.

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