B2 verb Neutral

enzyme

/ˈɛnzaɪm/

An enzyme is a biological catalyst, typically a protein, that speeds up specific chemical reactions within a living organism. These molecules are essential for various metabolic processes, such as digestion, where they break down complex nutrients into smaller parts.

Ejemplos

3 de 5
1

The enzymes in your saliva start breaking down carbohydrates the moment you begin chewing.

Natural substances in your mouth start processing starchy foods as soon as you eat.

2

The patient's blood test revealed a significant elevation in liver enzymes, suggesting potential organ stress.

Medical tests showed a high level of specific proteins in the liver, which might indicate health issues.

3

I've been taking these enzyme pills to help me digest dairy better, and they really work.

I use these supplements to help my stomach process milk, and I've noticed a big difference.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivo
enzyme
Adverbio
enzymatically
Adjetivo
enzymatic
Relacionado
enzymology
💡

Truco para recordar

Think of an enzyme as a pair of 'EN'-ergetic 'Z'ippers: they help zip (build) or unzip (break down) molecules much faster than they would on their own.

Quiz rápido

Lactose intolerance is caused by the body's inability to produce enough of the _____ called lactase.

¡Correcto!

La respuesta correcta es: enzyme

Ejemplos

1

The enzymes in your saliva start breaking down carbohydrates the moment you begin chewing.

everyday

Natural substances in your mouth start processing starchy foods as soon as you eat.

2

The patient's blood test revealed a significant elevation in liver enzymes, suggesting potential organ stress.

formal

Medical tests showed a high level of specific proteins in the liver, which might indicate health issues.

3

I've been taking these enzyme pills to help me digest dairy better, and they really work.

informal

I use these supplements to help my stomach process milk, and I've noticed a big difference.

4

The study demonstrates how the restriction enzyme cleaves the DNA strand at a specific nucleotide sequence.

academic

The research shows how a particular protein cuts the DNA chain at a precise location.

5

Our R&D department is looking for more cost-effective enzymes to improve the efficiency of the fermentation process.

business

The development team is searching for cheaper biological catalysts to speed up production.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivo
enzyme
Adverbio
enzymatically
Adjetivo
enzymatic
Relacionado
enzymology

Colocaciones comunes

digestive enzyme Proteins that help break down food in the gut.
enzyme activity The rate at which a catalyst performs its function.
enzyme deficiency A lack of a specific protein needed for health.
produce enzymes The biological process of creating these catalysts.
enzyme reaction A chemical change facilitated by a biological catalyst.

Frases Comunes

enzyme-linked

Connected to or detected by using enzymes (common in lab tests like ELISA).

proteolytic enzyme

An enzyme that specifically breaks down proteins.

restriction enzyme

A protein used in genetic engineering to cut DNA.

Se confunde a menudo con

enzyme vs hormone

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the blood to signal cells, whereas enzymes are catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.

enzyme vs bacteria

Bacteria are living single-celled organisms, while enzymes are just protein molecules produced by living things.

📝

Notas de uso

The word 'enzyme' is almost exclusively used in biological, medical, or industrial chemistry contexts. It is a countable noun, meaning you can have one enzyme or many different enzymes.

⚠️

Errores comunes

Learners sometimes confuse 'enzyme' with 'yeast' or 'bacteria' because they are all associated with fermentation, but an enzyme is a molecule, not a living organism.

💡

Truco para recordar

Think of an enzyme as a pair of 'EN'-ergetic 'Z'ippers: they help zip (build) or unzip (break down) molecules much faster than they would on their own.

📖

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Greek 'en' (in) and 'zūmē' (leaven or yeast), literally meaning 'in leaven' because enzymes were first studied in the fermentation of yeast.

Patrones gramaticales

Countable noun Often used with the suffix -ase (e.g., lactase, lipase) to name specific types. Used with 'in' to describe location (e.g., 'enzymes in the gut').
🌍

Contexto cultural

In modern wellness culture, 'digestive enzymes' are a popular health supplement, often marketed to improve gut health and reduce bloating.

Quiz rápido

Lactose intolerance is caused by the body's inability to produce enough of the _____ called lactase.

¡Correcto!

La respuesta correcta es: enzyme

Palabras relacionadas

administrate

B2

To manage, supervise, or oversee the operations and activities of an organization, program, or system. It involves the practical execution of policies and the organization of resources to achieve specific goals.

administrative

C1

Relating to the organization and management of a business, institution, or government. It describes the practical tasks, systems, and procedures required to keep an entity running efficiently behind the scenes.

appropriately

B2

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

assistant

C2

A person who ranks below a senior professional and aids them in their duties, often handling specialized tasks or administrative burdens. In a professional or academic context, an assistant often possesses significant expertise but operates under the direction of a superior to facilitate complex operations.

commissioner

C1

A high-ranking official who is in charge of a government department, a public organization, or a professional sports league. This person is typically appointed to exercise administrative authority or to oversee a specific commission or set of regulations.

computer

C1

A sophisticated electronic device designed to store, retrieve, and process data through programmed instructions. In modern discourse, it encompasses everything from microprocessors in appliances to high-performance servers facilitating global networks.

conclusion

C2

A final judgment, decision, or opinion reached by reasoning after considering all evidence and facts. It also refers to the final part of a piece of writing or a speech that summarizes the main points and provides a closing statement.

consequent

C2

In logic and philosophy, a consequent is the second part of a conditional proposition, following the 'if' clause (the antecedent). It represents the result or deduction that follows necessarily or naturally from a previous statement or condition.

consume

C1

To consume means to use up a resource, such as energy, time, or goods, or to eat and drink something. In academic contexts, it often refers to the utilization of information, products, or services by individuals or groups within an economy or social system.

consumer

B2

A consumer is a person who purchases goods and services for personal use rather than for resale or business purposes. In a broader biological or ecological context, it refers to any organism that feeds on other organisms or organic matter.

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