Protease is a type of proteolytic enzyme. It works by catalyzing the hydrolysis of peptide bonds present in proteins, thereby breaking the long chainlike protein molecules and converting them to shorter polypeptide fragments and ultimately into their basic components, amino acids. 

Protease plays an integral role in the absorption and digestion of dietary proteins. It is also involved in protein recycling, blood coagulation, cell signaling, activating precursor proteins, apoptosis, and providing immunity support. 

Protease is most abundant in animals but is also present in bacteria, archaea, and some plants, algae, and viruses.