Dehydrochlorinase

/ˌdiːˌhaɪdrəˈklɔrɪˌneɪs/ noun

Definition

An enzyme that catalyzes the removal of hydrogen chloride or chlorine from organic molecules.

Etymology

From de- + hydro- + chlorine + -ase (enzyme suffix). This technical term was created in biochemistry to name a specific enzyme involved in breaking down or transforming chlorinated compounds.

Kelly Says

Dehydrochlorinase is scientifically important because some bacteria have evolved this enzyme to break down pesticides and pollutants, which gives scientists hope for bioremediation—using living organisms to clean up toxic waste.

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