Definition

A type of enzyme that helps in adding or removing a carboxyl group from a molecule during chemical reactions.

Example

The carboxylase plays a crucial role in the metabolic processes of plants.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an enzyme called carboxylase?

No, I haven't! What does it do?

It actually helps in carboxylation reactions, which is pretty interesting.

That sounds cool! I love learning about enzymes and how they work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Carboxylase is formed from "carboxyl" (from the combination of "carboxy-" meaning a functional group containing carbon and oxygen, derived from "carbon" and "oxygen", and "-yl" indicating a radical or group) and "-ase" (a suffix used in biochemistry to denote enzymes). The word refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the addition of a carboxyl group to a substrate.

Memory Tip

Think of 'carboxyl' as a group containing carbon and oxygen, and '-ase' indicating an enzyme. This helps you remember that carboxylase is an enzyme that adds a carboxyl group.

Visually Confused Words