Enzyme

Pronunciation: /ˈɛnzaɪm/

Definitions of enzyme

noun a substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction

Example Sentences

A1 Enzymes help break down food in your stomach.

A2 Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates.

B1 Protease is an enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids.

B2 Enzymes play a crucial role in various metabolic processes in the body.

C1 The catalytic activity of enzymes is highly specific to their substrates.

C2 Researchers are constantly studying the mechanisms of enzyme action to develop new therapeutic strategies.

Examples of enzyme in a Sentence

formal The enzyme catalyzed the chemical reaction in the laboratory.

informal The enzyme helped speed up the reaction in the lab.

slang That enzyme really kicked things into gear in the experiment.

figurative The enzyme acted like a key to unlock the reaction process.

Grammatical Forms of enzyme

• plural: enzymes
• present tense: enzyme
• future tense: will enzyme
• continuous tense: is enzyming
• singular: enzyme
• positive degree: more enzyme
• infinitive: to enzyme
• gerund: enzyming
• participle: enzymed

Origin and Evolution of enzyme

First Known Use: 1878 year

Language of Origin: Ancient Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'enzyme' originated from the Ancient Greek word 'enzymos', which means 'in leaven'.

Evolution of the word: The term 'enzyme' was first used in the late 19th century to describe biological molecules that catalyze chemical reactions. Over time, the understanding of enzymes and their functions has evolved significantly, leading to their widespread use in various fields such as medicine, food industry, and biotechnology.