Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

What does the suffix "ase" typically indicate?

1. A type of protein

2. An enzyme

3. A chemical compound

4. A carbohydrate

The correct answer is: An enzyme

The suffix "ase" is commonly used in scientific terminology to indicate an enzyme. Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions in living organisms, promoting processes such as digestion and metabolism. The use of "ase" as a suffix is a standardized way to identify and categorize various enzymes based on the substrate they act upon or the type of reaction they catalyze. For example, lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, while amylase helps in the breakdown of starches. This suffix has become a key indicator in biochemistry for identifying enzymes, making it an essential part of understanding biochemical processes and the function of proteins in biological systems.