Aspartic proteases are a type of enzyme that play a crucial role in breaking down proteins. They are characterized by their active site, which contains two aspartic acid residues that help in the hydrolysis of peptide bonds. These enzymes are found in various organisms, including humans, plants, and microorganisms, and are involved in important biological processes such as digestion and protein turnover. These proteases are also significant in medical and industrial applications. For instance, some aspartic proteases are targets for drug development, particularly in treating diseases like HIV and cancer. Additionally, they are used in food processing and biotechnology, highlighting their versatility and importance in both health and industry.