Definition

A type of enzyme that helps break down glycosides, which are compounds made of sugar and another molecule, by adding water to the bond between them.

Example

Glycosidases play a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of glycosidase?

Yeah, isn't it some kind of enzyme?

Exactly! It helps break down sugars in our body.

That sounds interesting; enzymes play such a crucial role in digestion.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Glycosidase is formed from "glyco-" (from Greek "glykys", meaning sweet) and "-sidase" (from Latin "caedere", meaning to cut). The term refers to an enzyme that cuts glycosidic bonds in carbohydrates, thus relating to the sweet nature of sugars.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sweet' ('glyco-') being 'cut' ('-sidase') by an enzyme, which helps you remember that glycosidase is an enzyme that cuts sugar bonds.

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