enzyme
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.
Examples
3 of 5The 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.
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.
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.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
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.
Quick Quiz
Lactose intolerance is caused by the body's inability to produce enough of the _____ called lactase.
Correct!
The correct answer is: enzyme
Examples
The enzymes in your saliva start breaking down carbohydrates the moment you begin chewing.
everydayNatural substances in your mouth start processing starchy foods as soon as you eat.
The patient's blood test revealed a significant elevation in liver enzymes, suggesting potential organ stress.
formalMedical tests showed a high level of specific proteins in the liver, which might indicate health issues.
I've been taking these enzyme pills to help me digest dairy better, and they really work.
informalI use these supplements to help my stomach process milk, and I've noticed a big difference.
The study demonstrates how the restriction enzyme cleaves the DNA strand at a specific nucleotide sequence.
academicThe research shows how a particular protein cuts the DNA chain at a precise location.
Our R&D department is looking for more cost-effective enzymes to improve the efficiency of the fermentation process.
businessThe development team is searching for cheaper biological catalysts to speed up production.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
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.
Often Confused With
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the blood to signal cells, whereas enzymes are catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.
Bacteria are living single-celled organisms, while enzymes are just protein molecules produced by living things.
Usage Notes
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
Memory Tip
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.
Word Origin
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.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern wellness culture, 'digestive enzymes' are a popular health supplement, often marketed to improve gut health and reduce bloating.
Quick Quiz
Lactose intolerance is caused by the body's inability to produce enough of the _____ called lactase.
Correct!
The correct answer is: enzyme
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