zymogen

[ zahy-muh-juhn, -jen ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of various enzyme precursor molecules that may change into an enzyme as a result of catalytic change.

zymogen

/ ˈzaɪməʊˌdʒɛn /

noun

1. biochem any of a group of compounds that are inactive precursors of enzymes and are activated by a kinase

Word History and Origins

Origin of zymogen¹

< German (1875); zymo-, -gen

Example Sentences

Zymogen′ic; Zy′moid, like a ferment; Zymolog′ic, -al, pertaining to zymology.

From Project Gutenberg

During ordinary secretion, however, these granules of zymogen do not entirely disappear from the cell.

From Project Gutenberg

When in this stage, the compound is known as "proenzyme," or "zymogen."

From Project Gutenberg