ScienceSeptember 2, 2026
metalloproteinases
muh-TAL-oh-PRO-tuh-nay-siz
Definition
Enzymes that break down proteins and require a metal ion, such as zinc, to function; in snake venom, these enzymes cause tissue damage and bleeding.
Etymology
The word is a combination of 'metallo-', referring to a metal ion, and 'proteinase', an enzyme that breaks down proteins. It emerged in the 20th century within the field of biochemistry to describe these specific metal-dependent enzymes.
In the news
The article highlights these enzymes as specific toxic proteins in pit viper venom that standard antivenoms fail to neutralize, leading to severe internal damage.
Same Bite, Same Hospital, Different Odds — Depending on Which Snake Found You
Read the full article ↗Futura, le média qui explore le monde