Definition

A type of enzyme produced in the pancreas that helps break down proteins into smaller pieces in the digestive system.

Example

Chymotrypsin plays a crucial role in digesting proteins in the small intestine.

Conversation

Have you heard about chymotrypsin?

Yeah, isn’t it that enzyme that helps digest proteins?

Exactly! It breaks down proteins into smaller pieces in the intestine.

That's pretty cool! I didn't know it played such an important role.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chymotrypsin is derived from "chyme" (from Greek "chumos", meaning juice or fluid) and "trypsin" (from Greek "tryptein", meaning to rub or wear away). The word refers to an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the digestive system, acting on the fluid (chyme) in the stomach.

Memory Tip

Think of 'chyme' as the digestive fluid and 'trypsin' as the action of breaking down — chymotrypsin is the enzyme that helps break down proteins in that digestive fluid.

Visually Confused Words