decarboxylase

American  

[dee-kahr-bok-suh-leys, -leyz] / ˈdi kɑrˈbɒk səˌleɪs, -ˌleɪz /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of the class of enzymes that catalyze the release of carbon dioxide from the carboxyl group of certain organic acids.

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decarboxylase British  

/ ˌdiːkɑːˈbɒksɪˌleɪs /

noun

1. an enzyme that catalyses the removal of carbon dioxide from a compound

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Etymology

Origin of decarboxylase

First recorded in 1935–40; decarboxyl(ate) + -ase

Example Sentences

The deletion of the pyruvate decarboxylase gene fine-tuned the fungus's metabolism, reducing the amount of nutrients needed for protein production.

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2025

To explore this approach, the researchers removed two genes linked to the enzymes chitin synthase and pyruvate decarboxylase.

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2025

Removal of CaMBD enables increased activity of the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase, which catalyzes the decarboxylation of glutamate to GABA, thus raising levels of the molecule.

From Scientific American • Dec. 24, 2021

This is achieved, at least in part, through reduction of the levels of mitochondrial phosphatidylserine decarboxylase, which is involved in the synthesis of mitochondrial phosphatidylethanolamine.

From Nature • Mar. 21, 2017

Raze’s approach of antagonizing these one-carbon metabolism pathways is supported by clinical experience with anti-folates, thymidylate synthase inhibitors, and ornithine decarboxylase inhibitors that target single downstream arms of the one carbon pathway. 

From Forbes • Oct. 14, 2014