enzyme
UK: ˈɛnzaɪm | US: ˈɛnzaɪm
n. A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms.
enzyme = en<in> + zyme<leaven>
- en (from Greek en, meaning "in")
- zyme (from Greek zymē, meaning "leaven" or "ferment")
Etymology Origin:
The word "enzyme" originates from the Greek enzymos ("leavened"), combining en- ("in") and zymē ("leaven"). It reflects the early observation of fermentation—where enzymes in yeast ("leaven") catalyze biochemical reactions. The term was coined in 1878 by German physiologist Wilhelm Kühne to describe these catalytic proteins, emphasizing their role within biological processes.
Digestive enzymes break down food into nutrients.
This enzyme is crucial for DNA replication.
Heat can denature enzymes, rendering them inactive.
Researchers isolated a new enzyme from bacteria.
Enzyme activity peaks at body temperature.