Definitions for: Zymogen


[n] any of a group of compounds that are inactive precursors of enzymes and require some change (such as the hydrolysis of a fragment that masks an active enzyme) to become active



Webster (1913) Definition: Zym"o*gen, n. [Zyme + -gen.] (Physiol. Chem.)
A mother substance, or antecedent, of an enzyme or chemical
ferment; -- applied to such substances as, not being
themselves actual ferments, may by internal changes give rise
to a ferment.

The pancreas contains but little ready-made ferment,
though there is present in it a body, zymogen, which
gives birth to the ferment. --Foster.

Synonyms: proenzyme

See Also: organic compound

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