Proenzyme
Proenzyme (pronunciation: pro-EN-zyme), also known as a zymogen (pronunciation: ZY-mo-gen), is a type of enzyme that is inactive. The proenzyme can be activated when it is needed by the body, often through a process called proteolysis, where a protein is broken down into smaller polypeptides or single amino acids.
Etymology
The term "proenzyme" comes from the prefix "pro-", which means "before" in Greek, and "enzyme", which is derived from the Greek words "en" (in) and "zyme" (leaven). Thus, "proenzyme" essentially means "before the enzyme", referring to its inactive state before it is needed by the body.
Function
Proenzymes play a crucial role in many biological processes. They are produced and stored in the body in their inactive form to prevent them from causing damage to the tissues that produce them. When they are needed, they are activated and can carry out their function. For example, the proenzyme pepsinogen is activated to become the enzyme pepsin, which aids in digestion by breaking down proteins in the stomach.
Related Terms
- Enzyme: A protein that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
- Zymogen: Another term for a proenzyme.
- Proteolysis: The breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids.
- Pepsinogen: A proenzyme that is activated to become pepsin.
- Pepsin: An enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Proenzyme
- Wikipedia's article - Proenzyme
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