zymase
/ˈzʌɪmeɪz
/noun [mass noun] Biochemistry
A mixture of enzymes obtained from yeast which catalyse the breakdown of sugars in alcoholic fermentation.When alcohol is produced for human consumption, zymase - provided by yeast - is used as the catalyst....
- Even now the question remains open whether zymase can be added directly to the established list of enzymes.
- The reaction is then carried out in presence of yeast, which contain two enzymes maltose and zymase.
Origin
Late 19th century: from French, from Greek zumē 'leaven'.