Proteolyze is a term used in biochemistry that refers to the breakdown of proteins by the action of enzymes called proteases. There are several synonyms used to describe this process, including protein degradation, protein hydrolysis, and protein cleavage. These terms are commonly used to describe the breakdown of proteins in a range of biological processes, including the digestion of food, the recycling of cellular components, and the regulation of protein activity. Proteases are important enzymes that play a vital role in maintaining normal cellular function, and dysregulation of their activity is associated with the development of several diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and cystic fibrosis.