Question:medium
Matrix metalloproteinases are -
Matrix metalloproteinases are -
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Metallo- in MMP refers to a zinc ion in the active site.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Cathepsin
- Zn metalloproteinases
- Cu metalloproteinases
- Cd metalloproteinases
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Read the name literally. Metallo- tells you a metal sits in the catalytic site, and protease tells you it cuts proteins. For matrix metalloproteinases that metal is zinc, so the family is the zinc metalloproteinases.
Step 2: Biological role. After a wound, fibroblasts lay down collagen-rich scar tissue. To remodel and balance that scar, the same tissue must also break down ECM. MMPs do this demolition work, and their zinc-dependent active site is blocked by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).
Step 3: Know the subtypes. Collagenases handle fibrillar collagen, gelatinases handle denatured or amorphous collagen plus fibronectin, and stromelysins chew through proteoglycans and laminin. All share the zinc-centered mechanism.
Step 4: Rule out traps. Cathepsins belong to lysosomal protease groups and are not classed as MMPs, while copper and cadmium are not the functional metal here.
\[\boxed{\text{Zn metalloproteinases}}\]
Step 2: Biological role. After a wound, fibroblasts lay down collagen-rich scar tissue. To remodel and balance that scar, the same tissue must also break down ECM. MMPs do this demolition work, and their zinc-dependent active site is blocked by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).
Step 3: Know the subtypes. Collagenases handle fibrillar collagen, gelatinases handle denatured or amorphous collagen plus fibronectin, and stromelysins chew through proteoglycans and laminin. All share the zinc-centered mechanism.
Step 4: Rule out traps. Cathepsins belong to lysosomal protease groups and are not classed as MMPs, while copper and cadmium are not the functional metal here.
\[\boxed{\text{Zn metalloproteinases}}\]
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