Biochemistry term for a protein that acts as a catalyst in living organisms. Common in scientific, medical, and nutritional contexts.
This detergent contains enzymes.
Starch is broken down by the action of enzymes.
Enzymes in the body break down starch.
The enzyme functions well at this temperature.
I take in enzymes for my health.
Individual 酵素 are usually not counted as discrete objects; instead 種類 is used to count the number of distinct kinds of enzyme (三種類の酵素).
From 酵 (fermentation, leaven) and 素 (element, principle). Coined in the late 19th century as a translation of the Western scientific term 'enzyme'.
active enzyme