Definition

A type of inactive protein that can be turned into an active enzyme by another enzyme or a specific process.

Example

The body produces zymogens that become active enzymes when needed for digestion.

Conversation

Hey, do you know what a zymogen is?

I think so, isn’t it some kind of inactive enzyme?

Yeah, exactly! It becomes active after certain processes.

That's interesting! I never knew how enzymes worked like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Zymogen → It is formed from "zymo-" (from Greek "zyme", meaning leaven or fermentation) and "-gen" (from Greek "genes", meaning born of or produced by). The word "zymogen" refers to a substance that is produced or generated from fermentation processes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'zyme' as relating to fermentation, and '-gen' meaning something that is produced. This helps you remember that a zymogen is something produced from fermentation.

Visually Confused Words