Final answer:
The suffix -ase indicates an enzyme, with names typically derived from the reaction or substrate involved, such as sucrase and lipase, although older enzyme names may use -in, like pepsin.
Step-by-step explanation:
In biology, the suffix -ase added to a term denotes an enzyme. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze or speed up chemical reactions in the body. The suffix -ase is used to name enzymes based on the type of reaction they catalyze, such as sucrase, lipase, oxidase, and dehydrogenase.
The suffix -ase added to a term denotes an enzyme. Enzyme names are often derived from the reaction they catalyze or the substrate they act on, followed by this suffix. For example, sucrase breaks down sucrose, and lipase hydrolyzes lipids. While the suffix -in is used in some traditional names such as pepsin and trypsin, modern nomenclature primarily uses the suffix -ase to indicate that the molecule is an enzyme. This naming system helps to identify the enzyme's function and the type of reaction it facilitates, aligning with the six major classes of enzymes. Such a systematic approach to enzyme names enhances both clarity and precision in the biological sciences.