Basis of differentiation

Procaspase 

Caspase

Definition

Is an inactive protease enzyme that is an inactive precursor of caspase that requires cleavage to produce the active enzyme

Is an active protease enzyme with specific cysteine protease activity  

Size

Comparatively a larger molecule

Comparatively a smaller molecule

Function 

To form active caspase enzyme after dimerization and cleavage to regulate cellular function in apoptosis  

Assists in degrading cellular material in a regulated manner, tumor suppression, cell proliferation, axon guidance, and aging

Conformation

Normally a heterodimer or heterotetramer 

Normally a monomer or dimer 

Inadvertent effects

Has no inadvertent effects

Overactivation of some caspases (e.g. caspase 3) may cause excessive cell death that leads to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s