Fumarase

/ˈfjuː.mə.reɪs/ noun

Definition

An enzyme that catalyzes a chemical reaction in the body's cellular energy production process, converting fumarate to malate and vice versa.

Etymology

From 'fumarate' (a chemical compound) plus the enzyme suffix '-ase.' Named for the compound it acts upon and follows the standard biological naming convention.

Kelly Says

Enzymes like fumarase are named after the molecules they work on—it's like calling a chef a 'risotto-maker'—and fumarase is crucial for the Krebs cycle, which is literally how your cells convert food into energy.

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