PROENZYME Meaning and
Definition
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A proenzyme, also known as a zymogen, refers to an inactive precursor form of an enzyme that requires conversion into its active form to perform its specific catalytic function. It is essentially a biologically inactive enzyme that undergoes a specific biochemical process to become activated.
Proenzymes are synthesized within cells and released into the extracellular space or stored within specialized organelles until they are needed. They play a crucial role in regulating enzyme activity and preventing damage to the cells.
Activation of proenzymes typically occurs through a series of proteolytic cleavage reactions, where specific enzymes cleave the proenzyme to remove a specific inhibitor or peptide chain, exposing the active site of the enzyme. This cleavage can be triggered by various factors, such as changes in pH, the presence of certain ions or molecules, or the action of other enzymes.
The purpose of proenzymes is to prevent cellular damage by ensuring that enzymes remain inactive until they are required. Without this mechanism, enzymes could potentially cause harm to the cells that produce them or the surrounding tissues.
Proenzymes are widely found in various biological systems, including the digestive system, where they are involved in the digestion of complex molecules like proteins. Examples of proenzymes include pepsinogen (the inactive form of pepsin), trypsinogen (the inactive form of trypsin), and chymotrypsinogen (the inactive form of chymotrypsin).
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PROENZYME
- oroenzyme
- lroenzyme
- -roenzyme
- 0roenzyme
- peoenzyme
- pdoenzyme
- pfoenzyme
- ptoenzyme
- p5oenzyme
- p4oenzyme
- prienzyme
- prkenzyme
- prlenzyme
- prpenzyme
- pr0enzyme
- pr9enzyme
- prownzyme
- prosnzyme
- prodnzyme
Etymology of PROENZYME
The word "proenzyme" is derived from the Greek prefix "pro-", meaning "before" or "pre-", and the word "enzyme" which comes from the Greek word "enzymos" meaning "leavened" or "in yeast". The combination of these two components implies a precursor or inactive form of an enzyme.
Similar spelling word for PROENZYME
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