tyrosinase

[ tahy-roh-si-neys, -neyz, tir-oh- ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. an oxidizing enzyme, occurring in plant and animal tissues, that catalyzes the aerobic oxidation of tyrosine into melanin and other pigments.

tyrosinase

/ ˌtaɪrəʊsɪˈneɪz; ˌtɪrəʊ- /

noun

1. an enzyme occurring in many organisms that is a catalyst in the conversion of tyrosine to the pigment melanin; inactivity of this enzyme results in albinism

Word History and Origins

Origin of tyrosinase¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; tyrosine + -ase

Example Sentences

Second, specifically editing the tyrosinase albinism gene could inform researchers as to why humans with albinism often have vision problems, and give insight into how the loss of this gene impacts retina development.

From Salon

Tyr encodes an enzyme called tyrosinase, which affects mouse coat colour.

From Nature

It can also cause skin lightening by converting melanin to a lighter color and deactivating the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps produce the pigment.

From New York Times

Another notable enzyme found is tyrosinase.

From Nature

Since melanin is the pigment that causes coloring of the skin, hair and eyes, inhibiting tyrosinase is one strategy to whiten skin, said the lead author, Hui-Min Wang, a scientist at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan.

From New York Times