zymogen

views updated Jun 08 2018

zymogen Any inactive enzyme precursor that, following secretion, is chemically altered to the active form of the enzyme. For example, the protein-digesting enzyme trypsin is secreted by the pancreas as the zymogen trypsinogen. This is changed in the small intestine by the action of another enzyme, enterokinase, to the active form.

zymogens

views updated May 17 2018

zymogens The inactive form in which some enzymes, especially the protein digestive enzymes, are secreted, being activated after secretion. Also called pro‐enzymes, or enzyme precursors.

zymogen

views updated May 23 2018

zymogen (pro-enzyme) The inactive precursor of an enzyme, subsequently activated by specific partial proteolysis.

zymogen

views updated May 18 2018

zymogen (pro-enzyme) The inactive precursor of an enzyme, subsequently activated by specific partial proteolysis.

zymogen

views updated May 21 2018

zymogen (zy-moh-jen) n. see proenzyme.