Abnormal Proteins Are Selectively Degraded

A very important function of protein degradation is to protect the organism against the consequences of intracellular accumulation of abnormal proteins. All cells possess a de- 

A primary function of the lysosome is to digest protein-containing particles derived from the extracellular space. One mechanism of delivery is the process of endocy-tosis. Endocytosis is the invagination of a group of occupied 

Lysosomal proteases are called cathepsins, a name derived from the Greek term meaning to digest. The interior of the lysosome is acidic and the cathepsins, like all lysosomal hydrolases, possess acidic pH optima and exhibit little enzymatic activity at neutral pH. This characteristic protects the cell from autolytic breakdown that might result from leakage of lysosomal contents into the neutral cytoplasm. 

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The Lifetimes of Proteins Differ Abnormal Proteins Are Selectively Degraded Proteolytic Hydrolysis Occurs in Mammalian Lysosomes... 

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