An enzyme that breaks down nucleotides (building blocks of DNA and RNA) by removing phosphate groups.
From Greek 'a-' (without) plus 'pyr' (fire) plus '-ase' (enzyme suffix), originally referencing the enzyme's ability to work without heat. The term reflects how scientists describe enzyme function through metaphor.
Mosquitoes actually use apyrase in their saliva to prevent your blood from clotting—it's one of the reasons mosquito bites itch and bleed so much, and understanding this enzyme could help scientists create better insect repellents.
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