Encyclopedia.com > Dictionaries, Thesauruses, Pictures, and Press Releases > A Dictionary of Biology > January 2004

caspase

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | 436 words | Copyright

caspase Any of various enzymes that cleave target proteins during programmed cell death (see apoptosis). Caspases are formed from inactive precursors present in the cell in response to certain triggers, such as cell damage (e.g. bursting of mitochondria). They then initiate a cascade of cleavage events, possibly by liberating other ‘executioner’ enzymes, which chop up the cell's DNA, cytoskeleton, and other components.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"caspase." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"caspase." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (February 12, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-caspase.html

"caspase." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved February 12, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-caspase.html

Learn more about citation styles

Find thousands of answers for hundreds of subjects at Answers Encyclopedia .

All answers verified by trusted sources at Encyclopedia.com

Try Answers Encyclopedia now!

For students and teachers!

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including:

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including: