Meaning & use

enzyme

noun·Academic

A protein produced by living cells that speeds up a specific chemical reaction in the body.

See it in a sentence

The enzyme lactase helps the body break down sugar found in milk.

Cold temperatures slow the enzymes responsible for ripening fruit after it is picked.

A note on using this word

Enzymes are highly specific, usually acting on only one type of molecule or reaction in the body.

Words with a similar meaning

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