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Affixes: the building blocks of English
Affixes: the building blocks of English
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zym(o)-

Enzymes or fermentation.

[Greek zumē, leaven.]

Enzymes are substances produced by living organisms which act as catalysts to bring about a specific biochemical reaction. Terms include zymase, a mixture of enzymes which catalyse the breakdown of sugars in alcoholic fermentation; zymogen (also called a proenzyme), an inactive substance which is converted into an enzyme when activated by another enzyme; zymurgy, the study or practice of fermentation in brewing, winemaking, or distilling.

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