An inactive precursor that is converted to active enzyme by the action of another substance. Called also proenzyme.
Inactive form of an enzyme which can then be converted to the active form, usually by excision of a polypeptide, e. g. trypsinogen is the zymogen of trypsin.
The inactive form in which some enzymes, especially the protein digestive enzymes, are secreted, being activated after secretion. Also called pro-enzymes, or enzyme precursors.
The enzymatically inactive precursors of certain proteolytic enzymes. The enzymes are inactive because they contain an extra piece of peptide chain. When this peptide is hydrolyzed (clipped away) by another proteolytic enzyme the zymogen is converted into the normal, active enzyme. The reason for the existence of zymogens may be to protect the cell, its machinery, and/or the place of manufacture within the cell from the potentially harmful or lethal effects of an active, proteolytic enzyme. In other words, the strategy is to activate the enzyme only when and especially where it is needed.
A protein that becomes an enzyme. It exists in an inactive form antecedent to the active enzyme.
A dormant substance that can transform into an active enzyme; also known as a proenzyme.