In the viral replicative cycle, what reaction do viral proteases catalyze?
Select True or False for each statement.
T/F They catalyze polymerization of amino acids into peptides.
T/F They catalyze folding of long peptide chains into functional proteins.
T/F They catalyze cutting of polyprotein chains into functional proteins.
T/F They catalyze breaking of peptide bonds

Viral proteases are enzymes that play a crucial role in the viral life cycle by processing viral polyproteins into functional proteins. They achieve this by cleaving specific peptide bonds within the polyprotein, allowing the virus to mature and become infectious. Understanding their function is essential for comprehending how viruses replicate and how antiviral drugs can target these enzymes.

Polyprotein processing is a mechanism used by many viruses where a single, long polyprotein is synthesized and then cleaved into multiple functional proteins by viral proteases. This process is vital for the virus as it allows the production of various proteins from a single mRNA transcript, facilitating efficient use of the host's resources and ensuring proper viral assembly and replication.

Peptide bond cleavage is the biochemical reaction catalyzed by proteases, including viral proteases, where the peptide bonds between amino acids in a protein or polyprotein are broken. This reaction is essential for converting inactive polyproteins into active, functional proteins, which are necessary for the virus to replicate and assemble new viral particles.