an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of a proenzyme to an active enzyme
"The newly discovered kinase acts as a switch by converting its inactive proenzyme form into the active enzyme required for DNA repair."
Any of a group of enzymes that transfer phosphate groups from high-energy donor molecules, such as ATP, to specific target molecules (substrates), in a process termed phosphorylation.
"The kinase enzyme catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to a protein substrate, thereby activating it through phosphorylation."
In plain English: A kinase is an enzyme that adds phosphate groups to other molecules inside your cells to help control how they work.
"Scientists are studying how this specific kinase regulates cell growth in cancer patients."
Usage: Kinases are enzymes that add phosphate groups to other molecules using energy from compounds like ATP. They play a critical role in regulating cellular processes by activating or deactivating their target proteins through this phosphorylation reaction.
The word kinase comes from the Ancient Greek verb kinéō, meaning "to move," combined with the suffix -ase used to name enzymes. It was formed this way because these proteins are responsible for moving or transferring phosphate groups within cells.