Arbutinase

/ɑːrˈbjuːtɪneɪs/ noun

Definition

An enzyme that breaks down or metabolizes arbutin in the body or in laboratory conditions.

Etymology

From arbutin + the enzyme suffix -ase (from Greek -asis meaning action or process). Enzymes are systematically named by taking their substrate and adding -ase.

Kelly Says

Arbutinase is a perfect example of how enzymes are named in science—just add '-ase' to whatever molecule the enzyme chops up, so scientists worldwide instantly know what it does without explanation.

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