What are the differences between procaspase and caspase?

Question

Accepted Answer

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

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