Abzyme
Abzyme
Abzyme (/ˈæbzaɪm/), also known as catalytic antibody, is a type of antibody that has the ability to catalyze a chemical reaction. The term "abzyme" is a portmanteau of "antibody" and "enzyme".
Etymology
The term "abzyme" was first coined in the late 1980s. It is derived from the words "antibody" and "enzyme", reflecting the molecule's dual function as an immune response protein and a catalyst for chemical reactions.
Function
Abzymes are produced by the immune system in response to certain antigens. They function similarly to traditional enzymes, lowering the activation energy of a chemical reaction and increasing the rate at which the reaction occurs. However, unlike traditional enzymes, abzymes are not naturally occurring and must be artificially induced.
Related Terms
- Antibody: A protein produced by the immune system that recognizes and binds to specific antigens.
- Enzyme: A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up a specific chemical reaction.
- Immune System: The body's defense system against harmful substances, including bacteria, viruses, and foreign bodies.
- Antigen: A substance that triggers an immune response, especially the production of antibodies.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Abzyme
- Wikipedia's article - Abzyme
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