zymogen Definition
an inactive substance that is converted into an enzyme when activated by another enzyme.
Using zymogen: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "zymogen" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The zymogen pepsinogen is converted into the active enzyme pepsin in the stomach.
Example
Trypsinogen is a zymogen produced by the pancreas that is converted into trypsin in the small intestine.
Example
The activation of zymogens is an important step in many physiological processes.
zymogen Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for zymogen
- proenzyme
- zymogen granule
Phrases with zymogen
the process of converting an inactive zymogen into an active enzyme
Example
The activation of zymogens is a critical step in the digestive process.
Example
The pancreatic acinar cells contain large numbers of zymogen granules.
Example
Chymotrypsinogen is a protease zymogen that is converted into chymotrypsin.
Origins of zymogen
from Greek 'zymē', meaning 'leaven' or 'enzyme', and 'gen-', meaning 'producing'
Summary: zymogen in Brief
'Zymogen' [ˈzaɪmədʒən] is a noun that refers to an inactive substance that is converted into an enzyme when activated by another enzyme. Examples include pepsinogen and trypsinogen, which are converted into the active enzymes pepsin and trypsin, respectively. The activation of zymogens is a critical step in many physiological processes.
