ScienceSeptember 7, 2026
chitinases
KY-tuh-nay-siz
Definition
Enzymes that catalyze the breakdown or digestion of chitin, a tough, semi-transparent substance that forms the main component of the exoskeleton of insects and other arthropods.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'khitōn' (tunic or garment) plus the chemical suffix '-ase' denoting an enzyme. The term was coined in the late 19th century to describe enzymes capable of decomposing chitinous materials.
In the news
In this article, chitinases are identified as enzymes within the fungus's genome that allow it to break down the fly's structural components, helping the fungus extract nutrients from its host.
In 1855, scientists discovered a fungus that turns flies into zombie hosts. More than 160 years later, its
Read the full article ↗The Economic Times