What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
zymogen
Example
The zymogen pepsinogen is converted to the active enzyme pepsin by hydrochloric acid in the stomach. [zymogen: noun]
Example
The zymogen trypsinogen is activated by the enzyme enterokinase in the small intestine. [zymogen: adjective]
proenzyme
Example
The proenzyme chymotrypsinogen is converted to the active enzyme chymotrypsin by trypsin in the small intestine. [proenzyme: noun]
Example
The proenzyme renin is activated by proteolytic cleavage in the kidney. [proenzyme: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Zymogen is more commonly used in scientific literature and research, while proenzyme is more commonly used in medical and physiological contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between zymogen and proenzyme?
Both zymogen and proenzyme are technical terms and are typically used in formal or scientific writing.
