About
The character "酶", denoting the biochemical concept of an enzyme, is a relatively modern creation within the Chinese writing system, specifically devised to translate the Western scientific term. Its traditional form is composed of the semantic component "酉", which historically represents a fermentation vessel or alcohol, and the phonetic component "每" (měi), which suggests its pronunciation. This structure directly links the character's meaning to processes of fermentation and transformation, areas where enzyme activity was first observed and understood. Over time, as biochemical knowledge advanced, the meaning of "酶" expanded from its initial association with fermentation to encompass the broader category of protein catalysts that regulate all metabolic processes, thereby solidifying its precise technical definition in modern scientific discourse.
Example Sentences Hide
酶帮助消化食物。
人体内有多种酶。
酶可以加速化学反应。
洗衣粉中含有酶。
酶的活性受温度影响。
科学家利用酶生产药物。
酶工程是生物技术的重要领域。
这种酶能特异性分解底物。