ZYMOGENS Meaning and
Definition
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Zymogens, also known as proenzymes or inactive enzymes, are inactive forms of enzymes that require activation to exhibit their catalytic activity. These enzymes are synthesized and stored in cells in an inactive state to prevent them from acting upon their own cells or tissues and causing damage. The activation of zymogens occurs in response to specific signals or conditions, such as changes in pH, the presence of particular ions or molecules, or the action of other enzymes.
Zymogens are synthesized as larger precursor proteins that undergo post-translational modifications to convert them into their active forms. These modifications typically involve the removal of certain peptide segments or the addition of specific molecules to expose the active site of the enzyme. Once activated, zymogens can then perform their biological functions by catalyzing chemical reactions necessary for various cellular processes.
One well-known example of a zymogen is pepsinogen, the inactive precursor of the enzyme pepsin, which plays a vital role in the digestion of proteins in the stomach. Pepsinogen is activated by the low pH of the stomach environment, which triggers the removal of a peptide segment to expose the active site. Other zymogens include trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, and prothrombin.
Overall, zymogens serve as a protective mechanism by maintaining enzymes in an inactive state until they are needed, preventing them from causing damage to cells or tissues prematurely. Once activated, zymogens play essential roles in physiological processes, such as digestion, blood clotting, and immune response.
Common Misspellings for ZYMOGENS
- xymogens
- symogens
- aymogens
- ztmogens
- zgmogens
- zhmogens
- zumogens
- z7mogens
- z6mogens
- zynogens
- zykogens
- zyjogens
- zymigens
- zymkgens
- zymlgens
- zympgens
- zym0gens
- zym9gens
- zymofens
- zymovens
Etymology of ZYMOGENS
The word zymogen comes from two Greek roots: zymo meaning ferment and gen meaning to produce or to give rise to. Thus, the term zymogen literally translates to ferment-producing or ferment-generating.
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