What is the purpose of peptidases?

Peptidases are catalytically active proteins (enzymes) that cleave peptide bonds in proteins and peptides by hydrolysis. Not only do peptidases break down proteins and peptides so that the amino acids can be recycled and used during growth and remodelling, but they are also important for modifying proteins.

How does peptidase breakdown food?

Peptidases are secreted in an inactive form, to prevent auto-digestion. Endopeptidases cleave the polypeptides at the interior peptide bonds, and the exopeptidases cleave the terminal amino acids. Fats are digested by lipases that hydrolyze the glycerol fatty acid bonds.