Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-containing endopeptidases. They degrade proteins by cleavage of peptide bonds. More than twenty MMPs have been identified and are separated into six groups based on their structure and substrate specificity (collagenases, gelatinases, membrane type [MT-MMP], stromelysins, matrilysins, and others).
Confidence votes 164. Alleles are the different forms of a gene. Alleles are corresponding pairs of genes located at specific positions in the chromosomes. Together, alleles determine the genotype. Alleles which determine some aspect of the phenotype, the physical appearance of an organism, are said to be coding alleles.
All individuals in a species have the same set of genes: in peas there is a gene for pod color, a gene for plant height, a gene for pea shape, and so on. What makes individuals different is that a gene can have several different forms, or alleles.ENES. A gene is a small piece of the genome. It's the genetic equivalent of the atom: As an atom is the fundamental unit of matter, a gene is the fundamental unit of heredity. Genes are found on chromosomes and are made of DNA.