Definition

A type of enzyme that helps break down collagen, a protein found in skin and connective tissues.

Example

Doctors sometimes use collagenase to treat wounds and improve healing.

Conversation

Have you heard about collagenase?

No, what is it used for?

It's an enzyme that helps break down collagen in the body.

That sounds interesting! I wonder how it works.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Collagenase is formed from "collagen" (from Greek "kolla" meaning glue and "genes" meaning producing) and "-ase" (a suffix used in biochemistry to denote enzymes). The word refers to an enzyme that breaks down collagen, which is a protein that acts like glue in connective tissues.

Memory Tip

Think of 'collagen' as something that acts like glue in the body, and '-ase' indicates it's an enzyme that breaks it down. This helps you remember that collagenase is an enzyme that breaks down collagen.

Visually Confused Words