Definition

A type of enzyme that breaks down phospholipids by hydrolyzing specific bonds in their structure.

Example

Phospholipase plays a crucial role in cell membrane metabolism.

Conversation

I was reading about how phospholipase affects cell membranes.

Oh really? I’ve heard that it plays a big role in digestion.

Exactly! It breaks down phospholipids into fatty acids.

That sounds important for our body’s function.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Phospholipase → It is formed from "phospho-" (from Greek "phosphoros", meaning light-bearing or phosphor) and "lipase" (from Greek "lipos", meaning fat, and "-ase", a suffix used in biochemistry to denote enzymes). The word refers to an enzyme that breaks down phospholipids, which are a type of fat containing phosphorus.

Memory Tip

Think of 'phospho-' meaning something related to light or phosphorus, and 'lipase' as an enzyme that breaks down fats. This helps you remember that phospholipase is an enzyme that acts on phospholipids, which are fats containing phosphorus.

Visually Confused Words