luciferase

[ loo-sif-uh-reys ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. an enzyme in bioluminescent organisms that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin, a light-emitting pigment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of luciferase¹

First recorded in 1885–90; lucifer(in) ( def ) + -ase ( def )

Example Sentences

Luciferase: a substance in the nature of an enzyme, existing in the luminous organs of light-giving beetles.

From Project Gutenberg

Luciferase is destroyed only by pepsin (probably), trypsin, erepsin, and something in spleen and liver extract.

From Project Gutenberg