Question

Zymogens are [MP PMT 1984; JIPMER 1987, 88; BHU 1988]
A) Enzyme acting upon starch
B) Group of zymase enzymes
C) Inactive enzyme precursors
D) None of the above

Answer 1

Answer :-

C) Inactive enzyme precursors

Explanation :-

• "Zymogen" is an enzyme precursor.

• Many enzymes are secreted in inactive forms to protect the proteins of the cells in the body of an organism.

• The enzymes synthesized in the form of an inactive precursor, are activated at a physiologically appropriate time and place.

• The enzymatically inactive precursors of the proteolytic enzymes are called "Zymogens".

• The zymogen- "Trypsinogen" can be activated by an intestinal enzyme called "Enterokinase".

• Eg - Pepsinogen, Trypsinogen, Chromotrypsinogen, Fibrinogen, etc.