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Definition of Enzymes

Enzymes: Proteins that act as a catalysts in mediating and speeding a specific chemical reaction.

In 1902 Archibald Garrod first attributed a disease to an enzyme defect: an inborn error of metabolism. Today, newborns are routinely screened for certain enzyme defects such as PKU (phenylketonuria) and galactosemia, an error in the handling (metabolism) of the sugar galactose.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=15392
Last Editorial Review: 12/4/2000 8:18:00 AM

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