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serine protease

(Science: enzyme) One of a group of endoproteases from both animal and bacterial sources that share a common reaction mechanism based on formation of an acyl enzyme intermediate on a specific active serine residue. Serine proteases are all irreversibly inactivated by a series of organophosphorus esters, such as di isopropylfluorophosphate (dFP) and by naturally occurring inhibitors (serpins). This group includes enzymes active in digestion, blood clotting, immune reactios, and fertilization of the ovum.

Examples are trypsin, chymotrypsin and the bacterial enzyme subtilisin.