zymase

Definition

Any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the fermentation of simple carbohydrates to ethanol and carbon dioxide.

Etymology

By surface analysis, zym- + -ase.

Example Sentences

• "In 1905, Harden and Young found that the zymase of Buchner consisted of a thermolabile ferment fraction, which was later designated as "apo-zymase" by Neuberg and v. Euler, and of a thermostable ultrafiltrable factor, "co-zymase," the presence of which is necessary for the fermentation of sugar."