Definition

A type of enzyme made by certain bacteria that helps break down blood clots by turning a substance in the blood into another that can dissolve clots.

Example

Doctors sometimes use streptokinase to treat patients with heart attacks by dissolving the clots in their arteries.

Conversation

Have you heard about streptokinase and how it helps with blood clots?

Yeah, I read that it's an enzyme that can really make a difference in treatment.

It's fascinating how it converts plasminogen into plasmin to dissolve clots.

Exactly! Medical advancements like that are just amazing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Streptokinase is formed from 'strepto-' (from Greek 'streptos', meaning twisted or bent) and 'kinase' (from Greek 'kinesis', meaning movement). The term refers to an enzyme that promotes the breakdown of blood clots, thus facilitating movement in the bloodstream.

Memory Tip

Think of 'strepto-' meaning twisted, as this enzyme helps to untwist or break down clots in the blood, allowing for better movement.

Visually Confused Words