Question

What are the advantages of synthesizing proteases as zymogens?

Short answer

The advantage of synthesizing proteases as zymogens enables prevention of unwanted protein degradation.

Step-by-step solution

Zymogens

Zymogens are inactive precursors of enzymes that display no catalytic activity but transform to their active version whenever required. Example: Trypsinogen is a zymogen of trypsin.

Advantages of synthesizing proteases as zymogens

The pancreas produces and secretes protease, which facilitates the proteolysis of proteins in the gastrointestinal tract.

Protein production as proenzyme zymogens prevents undesired protein breakdown. Additionally, it allows for the spatial and temporal control of proteolytic activity.