apyrase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2/Highly Specialized)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “apyrase” mean?
An enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of ATP or ADP, releasing phosphate and AMP.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of ATP or ADP, releasing phosphate and AMP.
In biochemistry and cell biology, a type of enzyme (typically an ectonucleotidase) that degrades adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and inorganic phosphate, thereby regulating extracellular nucleotide signalling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Pronunciation may follow regional patterns for the vowel in the first syllable and the 'r'.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and confined to technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “apyrase” in a Sentence
The apyrase hydrolysed [SUBSTRATE].[SOURCE] apyrase was added to the solution.The activity of [SPECIFIC] apyrase was measured.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apyrase” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The apyrase-mediated hydrolysis was rapid.
- We used an apyrase-based assay.
American English
- The apyrase-catalyzed reaction was monitored.
- An apyrase-like activity was detected.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in specialised research papers, theses, and textbooks in biochemistry, cell signalling, and related life sciences.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core usage domain. Found in laboratory protocols, pharmacological studies on purinergic signalling, and enzyme product descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apyrase”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apyrase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apyrase”
- Misspelling as 'apyrace', 'apirase', or 'apyraze'.
- Confusing its function with that of a standard ATPase (which produces ADP, not AMP).
- Using it in non-scientific contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are enzymes that act on ATP, a typical ATPase hydrolyses ATP to ADP and phosphate. Apyrase hydrolyses ATP (or ADP) all the way to AMP and phosphate.
Apyrases are found in various organisms, including plants (like potatoes), animals, and microbes. In animals, they are often membrane-bound ectoenzymes involved in purinergic signalling.
It is used as a tool to rapidly deplete ATP and/or ADP from experimental solutions. This helps researchers study processes dependent on these nucleotides, such as platelet aggregation, neurotransmission, or immune cell activation, by removing the signalling molecule.
Extremely unlikely. It is a highly technical term specific to biochemistry and physiology. You would not find it in general news, conversation, or non-scientific writing.
An enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of ATP or ADP, releasing phosphate and AMP.
Apyrase is usually technical/scientific in register.
Apyrase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæpɪreɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæpɪreɪs/ or /əˈpaɪreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A Pyre' (a fire) 'ase' (enzyme). An enzyme that 'burns up' ATP/ADP by breaking it down.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SCRUBBER or TERMINATOR: Apyrase acts to scrub away or terminate extracellular ATP/ADP signals.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of apyrase?