In the viral replicative cycle, what reaction do viral proteases catalyze? Select True or False for each statement. T/F They catalyze polymerization of amino acids into peptides. T/F They catalyze folding of long peptide chains into functional proteins. T/F They catalyze cutting of polyprotein chains into functional proteins. T/F They catalyze breaking of peptide bonds

Key Concepts

Viral Proteases

Viral proteases are enzymes produced by viruses that play a crucial role in their replicative cycle. They catalyze the cleavage of polyproteins into smaller, functional proteins necessary for viral replication and assembly. This process is essential for the maturation of viral particles, allowing them to become infectious.

Polyprotein Processing

Many viruses express their proteins as a single, large polyprotein that must be cleaved into individual functional proteins. This processing is facilitated by viral proteases, which recognize specific cleavage sites within the polyprotein. The resulting proteins include structural components and enzymes vital for the viral life cycle.

Peptide Bonds

Peptide bonds are the covalent linkages that connect amino acids in a protein. During the action of viral proteases, these bonds are broken to release individual peptides from the polyprotein. Understanding peptide bond dynamics is essential for grasping how proteins are formed and modified during viral replication.