Component of the proteasome core, a large protease complex with broad specificity involved in protein degradation. Cleavage of peptide bonds with very broad specificity. The formation of the proteasomal ATPase ARC-20S proteasome complex, likely via the docking of the C-termini of ARC into the intersubunit pockets in the alpha-rings, may trigger opening of the gate for substrate entry. Interconversion between the open-gate and close-gate conformations leads to a dynamic regulation of the 20S proteasome proteolysis activity. Protein degradation; proteasomal Pup-dependent pathway. The 20S proteasome core is composed of 14 alpha and 14 beta subunits that assemble into four stacked heptameric rings, resulting in a barrel-shaped structure. The two inner rings, each composed of seven catalytic beta subunits, are sandwiched by two outer rings, each composed of seven alpha subunits. The catalytic chamber with the active sites is on the inside of the barrel. Has a gated structure, the ends of the cylinder being occluded by the N-termini of the alpha-subunits. Is capped by the proteasome-associated ATPase, ARC. Belongs to the peptidase T1B family. Extended N-terminus.