Enzyme
A protein that catalyzes (speeds up) specific biochemical reactions without being consumed in the process. Enzymes make reactions occur millions of times faster than they would otherwise.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 20 chapters:
"Your liver cells and your heart cells have identical DNA. But liver cells express genes for detoxification enzymes, while heart cells express genes for contractile proteins. Same genetic code, different functional specialization. Spotify's squads worked the same ..."
"...e molecule binds one receptor - just one molecule - but that receptor doesn't just whisper to the cell, it shouts. The activated receptor triggers an enzyme that activates 10 more enzymes. Each of those activates 10 more. Within seconds, one signal molecule at the cell surface has triggered thousands of p..."
"The circular chromosome - a loop of DNA containing everything needed to build and operate this single cell - duplicates. Enzymes unzip the double helix. Molecular machines race along each strand, reading the genetic code, assembling a perfect copy base by base. A, T, G, C."
"The membrane wraps around it, sealing it inside. The autophagosome drifts toward a lysosome - the cell's digestive chamber, filled with protease enzymes. They fuse. The enzymes break down the mitochondrion, disassembling proteins into amino acids, lipids into fatty acids, everything into molecular bui..."
"...ine motor tasks - Injury risk: 2× higher (fatigue + poor coordination) Health impacts: - Digestive issues: Meal timing misaligned with digestive enzyme release - Immune suppression: Natural killer cell activity reduced 30% - Mood: Irritability, mild depression common The evidence: **Sports perf..."
And 15 more chapters...
Biological Context
Digestion, DNA replication, metabolism—virtually all biological processes depend on enzymes. Each enzyme typically catalyzes one specific reaction, binding to specific substrates. Enzyme activity is regulated by temperature, pH, and molecular signals, allowing cells to control their chemistry.