enzyme

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Dictionary definition of enzyme

A type of protein that acts as a biological catalyst, facilitating and speeding up chemical reactions within living organisms.
"Protease is an enzyme responsible for breaking down proteins into amino acids."

Detailed meaning of enzyme

These remarkable molecules play a crucial role in numerous biological processes by lowering the activation energy required for a particular reaction to occur. Enzymes accomplish this by binding to specific substrates and altering their chemical structure, allowing the reaction to proceed more efficiently. They are highly specific, often recognizing and interacting with particular molecules or groups of molecules. Enzymes are involved in a wide range of essential functions, including metabolism, digestion, DNA replication, and cellular signaling. Without enzymes, many vital biochemical reactions necessary for life would occur at an exceedingly slow pace or not at all.

Example sentences containing enzyme

1. The enzyme's catalytic prowess within living organisms is a marvel of nature's engineering.
2. Enzyme kinetics, a branch of biochemistry, examines the rates of chemical reactions catalyzed by enzymes.
3. Understanding the three-dimensional structure of an enzyme is crucial to elucidating its function in biological systems.
4. Enzyme cofactors, such as metal ions or coenzymes, play indispensable roles in facilitating chemical transformations.
5. Enzyme-substrate interactions occur when a substrate molecule binds to the active site of an enzyme, initiating a reaction.
6. pH levels profoundly affect enzyme activity, as deviations from optimal conditions can alter their functionality.

History and etymology of enzyme

The noun 'enzyme' has an etymology rooted in Greek. It originates from the Greek words 'en,' meaning 'in,' and 'zyme,' which comes from 'zymon,' meaning 'leaven' or 'yeast.' In ancient times, the process of fermentation, such as the rising of bread dough or the brewing of alcoholic beverages, was mysterious and attributed to the action of invisible substances. 'Enzyme' essentially means 'in yeast' or 'in leaven,' reflecting the early understanding of these catalysts' involvement in fermentation. Over time, the term broadened to encompass a wide range of proteins that function as biological catalysts, facilitating and accelerating various chemical reactions within living organisms. Thus, the etymology of 'enzyme' underscores its historical association with the transformative properties of yeast and its role in catalyzing reactions in biological processes.

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Further usage examples of enzyme

1. Enzyme assays are essential laboratory techniques used to quantify the activity of specific enzymes in biological samples.
2. Irreversible enzyme inhibition can permanently deactivate an enzyme, disrupting vital metabolic pathways.
3. The intricacies of enzyme specificity ensure that each enzyme performs its designated function with precision.
4. Temperature fluctuations can disrupt the delicate balance of enzyme activity, impacting overall cellular processes.
5. Enzyme nomenclature typically involves the suffix "-ase," making it easier to identify these remarkable catalysts.
6. Enzyme denaturation due to extreme heat or pH shifts results in the loss of their biological activity.
7. Enzyme discovery and research continually advance our understanding of fundamental biological processes.
8. Enzyme-catalyzed reactions are fundamental to the metabolic pathways that sustain life in all organisms.
9. Enzyme inhibitors, whether competitive or non-competitive, regulate metabolic pathways by controlling enzyme activity.
10. Cells meticulously regulate enzyme expression and activity to maintain homeostasis within their environments.
11. The adaptive coevolution of enzymes and their substrates highlights the intricacies of biochemical interactions.
12. Enzyme cofactors, like vitamins, can be essential dietary components necessary for proper enzyme function.
13. The kinetic behavior of enzymes provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of biological reactions.
14. Enzyme therapy has emerged as a promising avenue for treating various genetic and metabolic disorders.
15. Enzyme-substrate affinity determines the efficiency of reactions, impacting cellular processes.
16. Enzyme engineering techniques enable scientists to modify and design enzymes with specific applications in mind.
17. The enzyme amylase helps break down starch into sugar.
18. DNA polymerase is an enzyme involved in DNA replication.
19. The liver produces various enzymes that aid in detoxification.
20. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
21. The enzyme lactase helps in the digestion of lactose, the sugar found in milk.
22. Papain, an enzyme derived from papaya, is used as a meat tenderizer.
23. Enzymes like catalase help in the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
24. Enzyme deficiencies can lead to metabolic disorders and health complications.