Nucleosidase

Definition

Nucleosidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of nucleosides into their component parts, which are a nitrogenous base and a sugar molecule. This process is crucial for the digestion and absorption of nucleic acids in the digestive system.

Related terms

Nucleic Acids:

Long molecules made of nucleotides that store genetic information in cells.

Hydrolysis:

A chemical process that splits molecules by adding water, commonly involved in breaking down complex nutrients during digestion.

Enzyme: A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in the body, including those in digestion