| amylopsin |
an enzyme produced by the pancreas, capable of converting starch into sugar. |
| cholinesterase |
an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and blood that hydrolyzes acetylcholine to acetic acid and choline, to block the transmission of nerve impulses. |
| coenzyme |
in biochemistry, a small organic compound necessary to the function of an enzyme. |
| cofactor |
in biochemistry, an ion or small organic compound necessary to the function of an enzyme. |
| dehydrogenase |
an enzyme that catalyzes the removal of hydrogen atoms from a molecule. |
| denature |
to change the structure of (a protein, enzyme, or the like) by physical or chemical means. [1/3 definitions] |
| diastase |
an enzyme that changes starch into sugar, found in the seed of grains, malt, and the like; amylase. |
| dopa |
an amino acid that is converted to dopamine by an enzyme in the bloodstream, an isomer of which, L-dopa, is used to treat Parkinson's disease. |
| enzymatic |
of, relating to, or produced by an enzyme. |
| erepsin |
an enzyme mixture in the small intestines that contributes to the breakdown of proteins into amino acids. |
| ferment |
any of various substances, such as an enzyme or yeast, that cause fermentation. [1/8 definitions] |
| glucoside |
any of several chemical compounds that yield glucose when treated with an acid or enzyme. |
| lactase |
an enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, and is found in certain yeasts and the intestines of animals. |
| luciferase |
an enzyme that produces bioluminescence in fireflies and certain marine animals such as jellyfish. |
| papain |
an enzyme that digests protein, obtained from the juice of unripe papayas, and used for tenderizing meat and aiding digestion. |
| pepsin |
an enzyme contained in gastric juice that serves as a catalyst in the digestion of most proteins. [2 definitions] |
| plasmin |
an enzyme in plasma that dissolves certain proteins involved in blood clotting. |
| plasminogen |
the inactive precursor of plasmin, an enzyme in plasma that dissolves certain proteins involved in blood clotting. |
| protease |
any enzyme that stimulates the digestion of protein. |
| ptyalin |
an enzyme found in human and some animal saliva that converts starch into maltose and various dextrins. |
| rennin |
the chief enzyme in rennet. |