Proteasomes are complex protein structures found in cells that play a crucial role in degrading and recycling proteins. They break down damaged, misfolded, or unneeded proteins into smaller peptides, which can then be further processed or reused by the cell. This process is essential for maintaining cellular health and regulating various biological functions. The proteasome operates through a process called ubiquitination, where proteins marked for degradation are tagged with a small protein called ubiquitin. Once tagged, these proteins are directed to the proteasome, where they are unfolded and fed into the core for degradation. This system helps control the levels of proteins and ensures proper cellular function.