Deamidase

/diːˈæmɪdeɪs/ noun

Definition

An enzyme that removes amide groups from proteins or other organic molecules in biochemical reactions.

Etymology

From de- (to remove) + amide + -ase (enzyme suffix). The -ase suffix is standard in enzyme nomenclature, derived from diastase. This term emerged in twentieth-century biochemistry as enzyme classification became more systematic.

Kelly Says

Deamidase is one of your body's molecular scissors—it helps break down certain proteins by snipping off amide groups, which is crucial for everything from digestion to the aging of cheese and beer.

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