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.

Examples

3 of 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.

Word Family

Noun
enzyme
Adverb
enzymatically
Adjective
enzymatic
Related
enzymology
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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

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.

Word Family

Noun
enzyme
Adverb
enzymatically
Adjective
enzymatic
Related
enzymology

Common Collocations

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.

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

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.

📝

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

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').
🌍

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

Related Words

circumgrator

C1

Describing a movement or path that wanders in a circular or roundabout fashion rather than following a direct line. It often characterizes physical motion that encompasses a central area or an indirect approach to a task or problem.

micromerctude

C1

The state or quality of being excessively focused on minute, often trivial details within a mercantile or commercial context. It describes a meticulous precision that borderlines on pedantry, usually regarding small-scale financial transactions or specific trade conditions.

comvertant

C1

A comvertant refers to an entity, proposition, or individual currently undergoing a process of transformation or conversion. It is often used in specialized academic or technical contexts to denote the specific subject being changed from one state or category to another.

subgravate

C1

To aggravate or worsen a situation, condition, or feeling in a subtle or minor degree. It often implies exerting a gradual downward pressure or adding a slight burden to an already difficult circumstance.

dispetize

C1

A dispetize is a formal process or systematic act of resolving minor grievances and petty disputes within a professional or social organization. It serves as a clearinghouse for small-scale conflicts to ensure they do not escalate into significant structural issues.

ultrademation

C1

Ultrademation refers to the state or process of extreme, total automation where human intervention is entirely replaced by autonomous systems and decision-making algorithms. It represents the highest possible tier of technological autonomy within an industrial or digital framework.

semipulsate

C1

A state or instance of partial or intermittent rhythmic throbbing or beating, often occurring at irregular intervals or with reduced intensity. In technical contexts, it refers to a cycle that does not reach the full amplitude of a standard pulse.

adsontion

C1

To undergo or facilitate the process of molecular adhesion where molecules of a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid accumulate on the surface of a solid or liquid. Unlike absorption, this process is strictly a surface phenomenon and does not involve the substance being taken into the body of the material.

intrarogship

C1

Relating to the internal state or quality of inquiry and mutual accountability within a specific group or institution. It describes the dynamics of procedural questioning that remain within a single organizational hierarchy rather than involving external parties.

underpacant

C1

To perform a task or meet a requirement at a rate or quality lower than what was previously established or expected. It is often used in technical or administrative contexts to describe a failure to keep pace with a specific standard or quota.

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