Definition: The word "actinide" is a term used in chemistry to denote a metalloproteinase, also known as an α-actinase. It is a type of protease that catalyzes the hydrolysis of α-actin, which is a structural protein found in cell membranes and other structures that serve as barriers to actin polymerization (the process by which cells form their cytoskeleton). Actin, also known as myosin or troponin, plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of cell membranes and preventing them from being torn open during muscle contraction. The actinide metalloproteinase catalyzes the cleavage of α-actin, leading to a breakdown of the cell membrane, which can result in cell swelling and dysfunction. The term "actinide" is used by chemists to refer specifically to an enzyme that acts as a metalloproteinase, characterized by its ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of alpha-actin, a protein found on the surface of cell membranes.
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