carboxypeptidase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/Very Low FrequencyHighly Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “carboxypeptidase” mean?
An enzyme that cleaves amino acids from the carboxy-terminal end of a protein or peptide.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that cleaves amino acids from the carboxy-terminal end of a protein or peptide.
A type of exopeptidase enzyme belonging to a family that plays critical roles in protein digestion, processing, and regulation within biological systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage between British and American English. It is an international scientific term.
Connotations
None beyond its strict biochemical definition.
Frequency
Exclusively used in specialised biomedical, biochemical, and pharmaceutical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “carboxypeptidase” in a Sentence
N + of + NP (e.g., 'The carboxypeptidase of the pancreas')N + VP (e.g., 'Carboxypeptidase cleaves terminal residues')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carboxypeptidase” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The carboxypeptidase activity was measured.
- A carboxypeptidase-deficient mutant was studied.
American English
- The carboxypeptidase activity was measured.
- A carboxypeptidase-deficient mutant was studied.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Potentially used in pharmaceutical R&D or biotech investment reports.
Academic
Core term in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and medical research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Essential term in laboratory protocols, enzyme assays, and clinical diagnostics related to digestion or inflammation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carboxypeptidase”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “carboxypeptidase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carboxypeptidase”
- Misspelling as 'carboxipeptidase' or 'carboxy peptidase'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to carboxypeptidase a protein').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, carboxypeptidase inhibitors are investigated as drugs for conditions like hypertension, inflammation, and cancer. The enzyme itself is used in protein sequencing research.
It is produced primarily in the pancreas and secreted into the digestive tract. Different forms are also found in blood and various tissues.
Carboxypeptidase removes amino acids from the carboxyl end (C-terminus) of a protein, while aminopeptidase removes them from the amino end (N-terminus).
It is extremely unlikely. You might see it in highly advanced popular science articles, specialist pharmaceutical information, or university-level biology textbooks.
An enzyme that cleaves amino acids from the carboxy-terminal end of a protein or peptide.
Carboxypeptidase is usually highly technical/scientific in register.
Carboxypeptidase: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːˌbɒksɪˈpeptɪdeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːrˌbɑːksiˈpeptɪdeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CARB-OXY-PEPTIDE-ase' - It uses a CARBOXYl group to break a PEPTIDE bond (it's an enzyme, hence '-ase').
Conceptual Metaphor
A molecular pair of scissors that cuts from the end (specifically the 'tail' or carboxy end) of a protein chain.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of carboxypeptidase?