Protease activity is tightly regulated in living organisms to prevent uncontrolled protein degradation. This is achieved through various mechanisms, including:
- Zymogen Activation: Proteases are often synthesized as inactive precursors (zymogens) that are activated by cleavage. - Inhibitors: Specific inhibitors can bind to proteases and block their activity. - Compartmentalization: Proteases are often sequestered in specific cellular compartments.