zymogen

zymogen Definition

zy·mo·gen (zī′mə jən)

noun

Biochem. an inactive antecedent form of an active enzyme that becomes functional by the action of an appropriate kinase or other activator

Etymology: Fr zymogène: see zymo- & -gen

zymogen Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

inactive: Caspases, Key Apoptotic Proteins Virtually all animal cells contain caspases, but they occur as inactive zymogens that can do no harm.

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