Dehydrogenase

/ˌdiːˌhaɪˈdrɑːdʒəneɪs/ noun

Definition

An enzyme that removes hydrogen atoms from molecules, helping break down foods and other substances in cells.

Etymology

From de- + hydrogen + -ase (enzyme suffix). Created in early biochemistry to name an enzyme class discovered in the late 1800s that catalyzes oxidation-reduction reactions.

Kelly Says

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is so important doctors measure it in your blood as a sign of tissue damage—it's like a cellular smoke detector!

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