Definition

A substance made by the pancreas that is inactive until it is changed into another substance called trypsin in the small intestine.

Example

Trypsinogen is released by the pancreas and is essential for digestion.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of trypsinogen?

Yeah, isn't it some kind of enzyme from the pancreas?

Exactly! It's the inactive form that gets converted in the small intestine.

Right, and then it helps with digestion, if I remember correctly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Trypsinogen is formed from "trypsin" (from Greek "truptein", meaning to wear down or digest) and "-ogen" (from Greek "genes", meaning born of or produced by). The word refers to a precursor enzyme that is produced in the pancreas and is involved in the digestion process.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tryp-' meaning to digest or break down, and '-ogen' indicating something that is produced. This helps you remember that trypsinogen is a substance produced to aid in digestion.

Visually Confused Words