Cyclases

/ˈsaɪ.kleɪ.zɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of cyclase; enzymes that catalyze the formation of cyclic compounds by connecting different parts of a molecule into a ring structure.

Etymology

From 'cyclase' (enzyme causing cyclization), derived from Greek 'kyklos' (circle) + '-ase' (enzyme suffix). The term emerged in early 20th-century biochemistry to describe enzymes that create circular molecular structures.

Kelly Says

Cyclases are molecular architects—they take long molecular chains and fold them into perfect rings, a feat that would require incredible precision if done manually. Your cells use cyclases constantly to build everything from energy molecules to the compounds that make you sleepy, like melatonin.

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