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Enzyme (natural catalyst)
Enzyme (natural catalyst) Any of numerous proteins and protein-nonprotein compounds that living cells produce and that can initiate, or affect the speed of, specific chemical reactions.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Affect
This word is used to described observable behavior that represents the expression of a subjectively experienced feeling state (emotion). Common examples of affect are sadness, fear, joy, and anger. The normal range of expressed affect varies considerably between different cultures and even within the same culture. Types of affect include: euthymic, irritable, constricted; blunted; flat; inappropriate, and labile.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Enzyme
A cellular protein whose shape allows it to hold together several other molecules in close proximity to each other. In this way, enzymes are able to induce chemical reactions in other substances with little expenditure of energy and without being changed themselves. Basically, an enzyme acts as a catalyst.
Enzyme defect
A disorder resulting from a deficiency (or functional abnormality) of an enzyme. In 1902 Archibald Garrod first attributed a disease to an enzyme defect: an inborn error of metabolism. Today, newborns are routinely screened for certain enzyme defects such as PKU (phenylketonuria) and galactosemia, an error in the handling (metabolism) of the sugar galactose.
Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
A blood test used to find Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Also used to diagnose an ulcer.
Enzyme replacement
A strategy designed to replace missing enzyme activity in a patient. This strategy currently involves the administration of a purified protein (the enzyme) by intravenous infusion.
Enzyme, lysosomal
An enzyme in an organelle (a little organ) called the lysosome within the cell. Lysosomal enzymes degrade (break down) macromolecules (large molecules) and other materials (such as bacteria) that have been taken up by the cell during the process of endocytosis. In endocytosis, macromolecules and particles from outside the cell are taken up by the cell via a progressive invagination (inpouching) and eventual pinching off of a region of the cell membrane, forming a membrane-bound vesicle (bubble) within the cytoplasm of the cell. The vesicle then fuses with the lysosome and the lysosomal enzymes carry out their appointed task of destruction (by hydrolysis). Quite amazingly, the lysosomal enzymes do not normally damage the cell itself.
Enzyme, restriction
An enzyme from bacteria that can recognize specific base sequences in DNA and cut the DNA at that site (the restriction site). A restriction enzyme acts as a biochemical scissors. Also called a restriction endonuclease. Bacteria use restriction enzymes to defend against bacterial viruses called bacteriophages (or phage). When a phage infects a bacterium, it inserts its DNA into the bacterium so that it is replicated. The restriction enzyme prevents replication of the phage DNA by cutting it into many pieces. Restriction enzymes were named for their ability to restrict, or limit, the number of strains of bacteriophage that can infect bacteria.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
An assay in which an enzyme is linked to an antibody and a coloured substrate is used to measure the activity of bound enzyme and, hence, the amount of bound antibody.
Enzymes
Proteins that act as a catalysts in mediating and speeding a specific chemical reaction.
Enzymes, yellow
A group of respiratory enzymes that catalyze reactions in the body permitting cells to respire or breathe. These biochemical reactions are termed oxidation-reduction reactions.
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Exclusion criteria
A list of criteria, any one of which excludes a potential subject from participation in a study. See also inclusion criteria, admission criteria.
External consistency
The consistency of a procedure (for example, a rating scale or laboratory test) between sets of data.
Epithelial
Of the cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body.
Ed.D.
Doctor of Education.
Edema (dropsy)
The presence of excessive watery fluid in intercellular (especially subcutaneous) spaces or in a bodily cavity; the condition characterized by such presence; and/or the swelling that the presence of excessive fluid causes.
Enzyme (natural catalyst)
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Studies
Tests used to diagnose neuropathy and check for nerve damage. These tests are usually both run at the same time, using the same equipment.
Emergency Medical Identification
Cards, bracelets, or necklaces with a written message used by people with diabetes or other medical problems to alert others in case of a medical emergency such as coma. |See the list of companies that sell Medical Identification Products.
Endocrine pancreas
The part of the pancreas that produces hormones that govern sugar metabolism. Compare with the exocrine pancreas.
Endocrine Glands
Glands that release hormones into the bloodstream. They affect how the body uses food (metabolism). They also influence other body functions. One endocrine gland is the pancreas. It releases insulin so the body can use sugar for energy.
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
The final phase of kidney disease; treated by dialysis or kidney transplantation.
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