enzyme

n. a protein that acts as a biological catalyst, accelerating the rate of a biochemical reaction without itself becoming permanently altered. Many enzymes require other organic molecules (coenzymes) or inorganic ions (cofactors) to function normally. Most enzymes are named according to the type of reaction they catalyze; for example, glucosidases convert glucosides to glucose; acetylcholinesterase (see cholinesterase) splits and inactivates molecules of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

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Psychology term of the day

September 17th 2024

fragmentation

n. division or separation into pieces or fragments. For example, fragmentation of thinking (typically termed loosening of associations) is a disturbance in which thoughts become disjointed to such an extent as to no longer be unified, complete, or coherent; fragmentation of personality (typically termed personality disintegration) occurs when an individual no longer presents a unified, predictable set of beliefs, attitudes, traits, and behavioral responses.