aminase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

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UK/ˈæmɪneɪz/US/ˈæməneɪz/

Scientific/Technical

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Quick answer

What does “aminase” mean?

An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another.

Specifically refers to a class of enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism and synthesis.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in usage; spelling is identical.

Connotations

Solely technical with no regional connotative variation.

Frequency

Equally rare in both British and American English, confined to specialist literature.

Grammar

How to Use “aminase” in a Sentence

The [specific] aminase catalyzes the reaction.[Substance] is acted upon by an aminase.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
enzyme aminasebacterial aminasespecific aminase
medium
activity of the aminasepurified aminase
weak
study aminasepresence of aminase

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in biochemistry, molecular biology, and medical research papers.

Everyday

Never used.

Technical

Core term in enzymology for describing specific metabolic pathways.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “aminase”

Weak

amino-transferring enzyme

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “aminase”

  • Incorrectly using it as a general term for any enzyme.
  • Misspelling as 'aminaze' or 'amynase'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a highly technical term used almost exclusively in biochemistry.

No, it is exclusively a noun referring to a type of enzyme.

An aminase transfers amino groups, while a protease breaks down proteins by cleaving peptide bonds.

Only if they have a background in life sciences or chemistry. It is not part of general vocabulary.

An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another.

Aminase is usually scientific/technical in register.

Aminase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæmɪneɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæməneɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: AMINO ACID + 'ase' (enzyme suffix) = AMINASE, an enzyme for amino acids.

Conceptual Metaphor

A molecular machine for swapping amino groups.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The metabolic pathway was blocked due to a deficiency in the key enzyme.
Multiple Choice

In which field is the term 'aminase' primarily used?