AUTOLYTIC ENZYME Meaning and
Definition
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Autolytic enzymes, also known as autolysins, are a class of enzymes that play a crucial role in the process of autolysis. Autolysis refers to the self-destruction or self-digestion of cells and tissues by the action of these enzymes.
Autolytic enzymes are naturally produced and present in living organisms, including both plants and animals. They are mainly involved in the breakdown of cellular components, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides. The activation of autolytic enzymes can occur under specific conditions, such as cell death, injury, or in response to various external stimuli.
Some common examples of autolytic enzymes include proteases (enzymes that break down proteins), nucleases (enzymes that degrade nucleic acids), and glycosidases (enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates). These enzymes work inside the cells, targeting and breaking down specific molecules to aid in the recycling of cellular components.
In medicine, autolytic enzymes have various applications, such as wound healing and the treatment of certain diseases. Autolytic enzyme-based medications are often used to promote the removal of dead tissue, such as in the debridement of wounds or the treatment of certain skin disorders.
Overall, autolytic enzymes are essential for the controlled breakdown of cellular components, allowing for the recycling of nutrients and the elimination of damaged or unnecessary material.
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An e. formed in the tissues which is capable of transforming tissue constituents into characteristic cleavage products.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AUTOLYTIC ENZYME
- zutolytic enzyme
- sutolytic enzyme
- wutolytic enzyme
- qutolytic enzyme
- aytolytic enzyme
- ahtolytic enzyme
- ajtolytic enzyme
- aitolytic enzyme
- a8tolytic enzyme
- a7tolytic enzyme
- aurolytic enzyme
- aufolytic enzyme
- augolytic enzyme
- auyolytic enzyme
- au6olytic enzyme
- au5olytic enzyme
- autilytic enzyme
- autklytic enzyme
- autllytic enzyme
- autplytic enzyme
Etymology of AUTOLYTIC ENZYME
The word "autolytic" is derived from the Greek words "autos" meaning self and "lysis" meaning breaking down. The term "enzyme" originates from the Greek word "zyme" meaning leaven or yeast, and corresponds to the concept of an organic catalyst that stimulates chemical reactions. Thus, the term "autolytic enzyme" refers to a self-breaking down catalyst or enzyme that is responsible for the degradation or breakdown of its own cellular components.
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