Define the term zymogens

Question

Define the term zymogens?

Answer 1

Zymogens, or pro-enzymes, are enzymes secreted in an inactive form. Below certain situations a zymogen moves to the active form of an enzyme. Zymogen secretions in general occur since the enzyme activity can damage the secretory tissue.

For illustration, the pepsinogen secreted by the stomach becomes active below acid pH turning into enzyme pepsin. Other familiar zymogens are chymotrypsinogen and trypsinogen, enzymes which are secreted by the exocrine pancreas and that become chymotrypsin and trypsin correspondingly.