enzyme
EN-zyme
/ˈɛnzaɪm/
A substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
Almost all enzymes are proteins, and they are highly specific, meaning each enzyme typically catalyzes only one type of reaction.
The story behind the word. The word 'enzyme' was coined in 1878 by German physiologist Wilhelm Kühne. It comes from the Greek en ('in') and zyme ('leaven' or 'yeast'), literally meaning 'in yeast.' This refers to the observation that fermentation, a process carried out by yeast, was caused by substances within the yeast cells, even before their exact chemical nature was understood.
Word relationships
- biocatalyst: More technical term, emphasizing its biological origin and catalytic function.
- biological catalyst: Descriptive and clear.
Commonly confused with
- catalyst: All enzymes are catalysts, but not all catalysts are enzymes. Enzymes are biological catalysts.
Word family
- enzymatic (adjective): Relating to, caused by, or involving an enzyme.
Collocations
- digestive enzyme
- metabolic enzyme
- enzyme activity
- enzyme kinetics
Example sentences
- "Digestive enzymes in our stomach and small intestine break down food into smaller molecules that the body can absorb." Explaining digestion.
- "Many critical cellular processes, such as DNA replication and repair, rely on the precise action of specific enzymes." Referring to cellular processes.
Memory hook
An 'enzyme' helps 'EN-able' chemical reactions in the body. Chemical enabler.
When not to use
Don't use 'enzyme' for any catalyst; it specifically refers to biological catalysts produced by living organisms. Industrial catalysts are not enzymes.
Fun facts
- The fastest known enzyme, carbonic anhydrase, can process millions of molecules per second.
- Many laundry detergents contain enzymes to break down stains like blood and grass.
Explore more words
metabolism, catalyst, photosynthesis, ferment, catalyze, reagent
Also appears in
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