Chymotrypsinogen

/ˌkaɪmoʊˌtrɪpˈsɪnədʒən/ noun

Definition

The inactive precursor enzyme released by the pancreas that is activated in the small intestine to become chymotrypsin.

Etymology

From 'chymotrypsin' + Greek 'gennan' (to produce). The zymogen form that must be activated by other enzymes to function.

Kelly Says

Your pancreas ships chymotrypsinogen as an inactive package so it won't digest the pancreas itself—only when it reaches the small intestine do other enzymes unlock it.

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