What process refers to the decomposition of proteins?

The process that refers to the decomposition of proteins is known as proteolysis. This term specifically describes the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids through the action of enzymes known as proteases. Proteolysis is a fundamental biological process that occurs during digestion and in cellular regulation, as proteins are continuously being broken down and synthesized within the body.

During this process, enzyme activity facilitates the cleavage of peptide bonds, resulting in the transformation of complex proteins into simpler forms that can be utilized by the body for various functions, such as energy production or cellular repair.

Understanding proteolysis is important in fields such as biochemistry and mortuary science, as it plays a significant role in the decomposition process post-mortem, where proteins in the body begin to break down due to microbial activity and natural enzymatic processes.