Enzymes Meaning and Definition
Enzymes
Pronunciation
/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A biological molecule, typically a protein, that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms, often by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur.
Examples
- Enzymes in the stomach help break down proteins into amino acids.
- Some enzymes are used in medicine to treat certain diseases, such as lactose intolerance.
Synonyms
- Catalyst
- Biocatalyst
Antonyms
- Inhibitor
- Protease
Etymology
The word “enzyme” is derived from the Greek words “en” meaning “in” and “zyme” meaning “leaven” or “ferment”.
Usage Notes
Enzymes are used in various contexts, including medicine, food processing, and biotechnology. It’s essential to use the correct term when referring to enzymes, as the word “enzymes” is a plural noun.
Cultural References
In the 2003 film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, the character Toula Portokalos mentions enzymes in an argument with her uncle.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Enzyme-catalyzed reaction” is a common phrase used in scientific contexts to describe a chemical reaction accelerated by an enzyme.
Related Words or Phrases
- biological process
- protein function
Collocations
- protein enzyme
- enzymatic reaction
- enzyme activity
Frequency of Use
Enzymes are widely used and studied in various scientific fields, making them a common term in modern language.
Common Misspellings
- Enzyme
- Enzimes
- Enzymis