Enzyme
Definition
Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change in other substances, without being changed themselves. For example, they can change starches, proteins, and sugars into substances the body can use. Blood clotting is another example of enzymes at work.
Enzymes are essential to all bodily functions. They are found in the mouth (saliva), stomach (gastric juice), intestines (pancreatic juice, intestinal juice, and intestinal mucosa), blood, and every other organ and cell in the body.
Review Date:
2/23/2009
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc.is accredited by URAC, also known as the
American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of
quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online
health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial
policy, editorial process and privacy
policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health
on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or
treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and
treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites
are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. ©1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Printer Friendly
Share This
