Fructokinase

/ˌfrʌktoʊˈkɪneɪs/ noun

Definition

An enzyme that catalyzes the initial breakdown of fructose, converting it into fructose-1-phosphate in cells.

Etymology

From fructose (a sugar) combined with -kinase, a suffix from Greek kinesis (movement). In biochemistry, kinases are enzymes that cause 'movement' or transfer of molecular groups.

Kelly Says

Fructokinase is why your body handles high-fructose corn syrup differently than regular sugar—this enzyme does its work so efficiently that it bypasses your body's normal 'full' signals, which may explain why high-fructose products are harder to regulate. It's a molecular reason for a modern health problem.

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