Definition

A type of enzyme found in plants and animals that helps produce melanin and other pigments by causing a chemical reaction with tyrosine.

Example

Tyrosinase is essential for the darkening of fruits and vegetables when they are cut and exposed to air.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of tyrosinase before?

Yeah, I think it's that enzyme that helps produce melanin, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how it affects things like skin color and even the browning of fruits.

Totally! I never realized how important tyrosinase is in everyday life.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tyrosinase is formed from 'tyrosine' (from Greek 'tyros', meaning cheese) and '-ase' (a suffix used in biochemistry to denote enzymes). The word refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine, a compound originally derived from cheese, into melanin and other compounds.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tyrosine', which comes from cheese, and remember that 'tyrosinase' is the enzyme that helps convert it into other important substances.

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