enzyme
enzyme
Definition
en·zyme (en′zīm′)
noun
any of various proteins, formed in plant and animal cells or made synthetically, that act as organic catalysts in initiating or speeding up specific chemical reactions and that usually become inactive or unstable above c. 50°C (122°F)
Etymology: Ger enzym < LGr enzymos, leavened < Gr en-, in + zymē, leaven (see zyme)
en′·zy·mat′ic (-zī mat′ik, -zi-) adjective or en·zy′·mic-zī′mik
enzyme
Synonyms
enzyme
Usage Examples
Converse of subject
- metabolize: Inhibition of CYP2D6 may lead to increased plasma concentrations of co-administered drugs metabolized by this enzyme.
- catalyze: Activation may be catalyzed by other lysosomal enzymes or be autocatalytic, promoted by the acidic pH within the lysosome.
- catalyze: Each reaction is catalyzed by an enzyme known as a dehydrogenase.
Converse of object
- inhibit: Saw Palmetto inhibits enzymes at cell level reducing the action of hormones.
- angiotensin-converting: November 29, 2005 8:04 p.m... with angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE ) inhibitors may experience a reduction in unintentional weight loss.. .
- metabolize: They increase the use of oxygen by the heart and help metabolize enzymes.
Adjective modifier
- proteolytic: Because of its content of proteolytic enzyme, the kiwi fruit is a potential cause of contact dermatitis.
- digestive: One is to take digestive enzymes to help your body to get the most from your food.
- pancreatic: We have additional information on our page on pancreatic enzymes.
- p450: With conventional oral and intravenous administration of CPA, the drug is activated in the liver by the P450 enzyme.
Modifies a noun
- kinetics: A very simplified discussion of enzyme kinetics is on the advanced rates of reaction page.
- catalysis: Figure 1. Spectral changes spaced a minute apart during enzyme catalysis in crystals of E. coli amine oxidase.
- inhibitor: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a disease caused by reduced or abnormal production in the body of the enzyme inhibitor alpha-1 antitrypsin.
- lactase: Reactions to lactose are due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which the body needs in order to digest lactose.
Noun used with modifier
- antioxidant: Benefits Used by the body to activate a potent antioxidant enzyme which can help protect the body against cancer.
- p450: Cytochrome P450 enzymes: Novel options for cancer therapeutics.
- cytochrome: Cytochrome P450 enzymes: Novel options for cancer therapeutics.
- angiotensin-converting: Levels of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme were within normal limits.
- liver: For example, we do not want our brain cells to make liver enzymes or skin cells to manufacture blood.
- protease: Both compounds are inhibitors of the HCV protease enzyme, which the virus uses to replicate itself.
