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a Related Biological Terms:

catalytic rate constant (kcat)

The first-order rate constant that describes the rate-limiting step in enzyme catalysis, usually the conversion of the enzyme-substrate complex into the enzyme-product complex; the maximal velocity divided by the enzyme concentration. (see also turnover number (catalytic-centre activity)) Learn more about restriction enzymes.

catalytic site

The region of an enzyme that interacts with the substrate to effect the enzymic reaction.

catalytic subunit

(see regulatory subunit)

catalytic triad

(see charge relay system)

catalytic-centre activity

(see turnover number (catalytic-centre activity))

catecholamine

One of a family of phenolic compounds chemically related to catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene), which is derived metabolically from tyrosine; the family comprises hormones and neurotransmitters, including adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline, dopamine, etc.

catenane

(= concatenate (catenane))

cathepsin

Cathepsin is a cysteine proteinase that degrades elastin and fibrillar collagen. In addition, cathepsin is an endopeptidase associated with lysosomes in the cell, often with low pH optimum. Cathepsins are involved in intralysosomal protein degradation and in a wide range of other physiological and pathological processes. Because of their broad specificity, the cathepsins can obviously compensate for one another. Cathepsins fulfill a unique role among lysosomal proteases. Cathepsins are classified based on their structure and catalytic type into serine (cathepsins A and G), aspartic (cathepsins D and E, present in endosomes), and the most prominent cathepsin family of cysteine cathepsins (cathepsins B, C, F, H, K, L, O, S, V, W, and X), with cathepsins B, C, D, and L being ubiquitously expressed, while the rest exhibit a tissue- or cell-type-specific expression. Cathepsins are also synthesized as inactive pre-proenzymes and undergo posttranslational glycosylation. The activity of cathepsins is regulated at different levels. First, the transcription of cathepsin genes is controlled by cell-type-specific mechanisms and exogenous factors. Thus, different cell types do express different cathepsins.

cathode

(see anion)

cation

(see anion)

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