Definition

A type of protein found in some living tissues that helps break down certain sugars into smaller sugar molecules.

Example

Aldolase plays a crucial role in the glycolytic pathway by facilitating the conversion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the enzyme called aldolase?

Yeah, I think it has something to do with breaking down sugars, right?

Exactly! It's important in our muscles for energy production, especially during exercise.

That makes sense, enzymes like aldolase play a big role in how our bodies function.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Aldolase is derived from "aldol" (a type of sugar compound formed from aldehyde and alcohol) and the suffix "-ase" (indicating an enzyme). The word refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of aldol into other compounds in metabolic processes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'aldol' as a type of sugar compound and '-ase' as indicating an enzyme, so aldolase is an enzyme that works with aldol.

Visually Confused Words