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trypsin

American  
[trip-sin] / ˈtrɪp sɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.
  1. a proteolytic enzyme of the pancreatic juice, capable of converting proteins into peptone.


trypsin British  
/ ˈtrɪpsɪn, ˈtrɪptɪk /

noun

  1. an enzyme occurring in pancreatic juice: it catalyses the hydrolysis of proteins to peptides and is secreted from the pancreas in the form of trypsinogen See also chymotrypsin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

trypsin Scientific  
/ trĭpsĭn /
  1. An enzyme that aids digestion by breaking down proteins. It is produced by the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine, where it catalyzes the cleavage of peptide bonds connecting arginine or lysine to other amino acids.


Other Word Forms

  • tryptic adjective

Etymology

Origin of trypsin

1875–80; irregular < Greek trîps ( is ) friction ( trī́b ( ein ) to rub + -sis -sis ) + -in 2; so called because first obtained by rubbing the pancreas

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The motor uses the digestive enzyme trypsin to cut the peptides and convert them into the energy it needs to propel itself.

From Science Daily

Indonesia’s highest Muslim clerical council, the Indonesia Ulema Council, said on its website Friday that the vaccine is “haram” because the manufacturing process uses “trypsin from the pork pancreas.”

From Reuters

Strict trypsin specificity was required, allowing for up to two missed cleavages.

From Nature

Some studies point to α-amylase trypsin inhibitors, or say that people may be benefiting from reduced consumption of insoluble fibre, which is common in whole-grain breads and other cereal products.

From Nature

If the prodrugs look promising in the clinic, the company will add a second compound that blocks trypsin activity.

From Nature