COLLAGENASE Meaning and
Definition
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Collagenase is an enzyme that breaks down collagen, which is a crucial protein found in connective tissues, skin, bones, and tendons in both animals and humans. This enzyme specifically targets the peptide bonds within the collagen molecule, resulting in its degradation and subsequent breakdown. The process of collagen degradation plays a vital role in various physiological and pathological processes, including tissue remodeling, wound healing, and diseases such as arthritis and cancer.
Collagenase works by cleaving the triple-helical structure of collagen, separating it into smaller peptides. This enzyme is produced naturally in certain types of cells, such as fibroblasts and macrophages, and is also available in artificial forms for medical and research purposes. It is most commonly employed in procedures that involve the degradation of collagen-based materials, such as surgical wound debridement, skin grafting, and the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Due to its ability to break down collagen, collagenase has gained significant attention in the field of regenerative medicine. It is used in processes like tissue engineering and organ transplantation, as it aids in the removal of damaged collagen scaffolds and allows for the renewal and replacement of tissues. Additionally, collagenase has found applications in scientific research, where it is employed to isolate cells and tissues from complex matrices, facilitating their analysis and study.
Common Misspellings for COLLAGENASE
- xollagenase
- vollagenase
- follagenase
- dollagenase
- cillagenase
- ckllagenase
- clllagenase
- cpllagenase
- c0llagenase
- c9llagenase
- coklagenase
- coplagenase
- coolagenase
- colkagenase
- colpagenase
- coloagenase
- collzgenase
- collsgenase
- collwgenase
- collqgenase
Etymology of COLLAGENASE
The word "collagenase" is derived from two components: "collagen" and "-ase".
1. "Collagen": The term "collagen" originates from the Greek word "kolla" meaning "glue" and the suffix "-gen" meaning "to produce". Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues, such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones, that provides structural support.
2. "-ase": The suffix "-ase" is a common suffix used in biochemistry to indicate an enzyme. It is derived from the Greek suffix "-asis" meaning "action" or "-azein" meaning "to cause".
Therefore, "collagenase" refers to an enzyme that breaks down collagen, the structural protein in various tissues.
Similar spelling words for COLLAGENASE
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