autolytic enzyme

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An enzyme that digests the cell in which it is produced, usually marking the death of the cell.

QUIZZES

We understand! Words are tricky that way. Take this quiz on the Words of the Day from February, 2021, to show that you’re far from frumious!

Question 1 of 10

Which Word of the Day means “happening within or being the created world of a story”?

Women also make less of an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase, which breaks down alcohol before it hits the bloodstream.
Elizabeth Peña and the Truth About Alcoholic Women|Gabrielle Glaser|October 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In particular, “prolonged fasting reduced the enzyme PKA,” explains the USC announcement.
Fasting Might Regenerate Human Immune System|Gregory Ferenstein|June 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
That life-giving source is the enzyme telomerase, which can actually lengthen telomeres.
New Anti-Aging Pill Under Fire|Thea Singer|April 11, 2011|DAILY BEAST
It has nothing to do with aroma; the word refers to the enzyme aromatase.
The Super Bowl May Harm Your Masculinity|Arthur De Vany|February 3, 2011|DAILY BEAST

The answer lies in polyphenol oxidase, an enzyme that combines with oxygen to speed up cellular decomposition.
Harvard Students Play With Food|Laura Colarusso|December 28, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Stevens obtained a nitrogenous oxidizing enzyme from Rhus vernicifera.
Some Constituents of the Poison Ivy Plant: (Rhus Toxicodendron)|William Anderson Syme
You will remember that starch in the growing corn grain was changed to grape sugar by an enzyme called diastase.
A Civic Biology|George William Hunter
The digestion or change of starch to grape sugar is caused by the presence in the saliva of an enzyme, or digestive ferment.
A Civic Biology|George William Hunter
By adding the enzyme maltase from yeast to a forty per cent.
The Organism as a Whole|Jacques Loeb
Even the color of our hair and eyes depends on an enzyme which manufactures the coloring matter.
Natural Wonders|Edwin Tenney Brewster