OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What does protease break down, and into what?

1. Carbohydrates into sugars

2. Fats into fatty acids

3. Proteins into amino acids

4. Nucleic acids into nucleotides

The correct answer is: Proteins into amino acids

Protease is an enzyme specifically designed to break down proteins. It does this through a process known as proteolysis, where the bonds between amino acids in protein molecules are cleaved. The end products of this reaction are smaller peptides and individual amino acids, which can then be utilized by the body for various functions, such as building new proteins or serving as precursors for other biomolecules. The understanding of protease action is vital in biology as it highlights the importance of enzymes in digestion and metabolism, ensuring that the body can access and utilize the nutrients stored in dietary proteins. The other options pertain to different types of enzymes that target carbohydrates, fats, or nucleic acids rather than proteins.