Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'enzyme'

English Word: enzyme

Key Russian Translations:

• фермент [fʲɪrˈmʲɛnt] - [Formal, Scientific context]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly used in scientific, medical, and educational contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with scientific terminology and basic Russian noun inflections).

Pronunciation (Russian):

фермент: [fʲɪrˈmʲɛnt]

Note on фермент: The stress is on the second syllable ('mʲɛnt'). The initial 'ф' is pronounced as a voiceless labiodental fricative, similar to 'f' in English. Be mindful of the palatalized 'р' which can be challenging for beginners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions

Translation(s) & Context:

• фермент - Used in formal scientific discussions, such as in biology or chemistry classes, to refer to proteins that act as catalysts.

Usage Examples:

• В организме фермент ускоряет метаболические процессы.

  In the body, the enzyme speeds up metabolic processes.

• Учёные изучают, как фермент влияет на пищеварение.

  Scientists are studying how the enzyme affects digestion.

• Без фермента реакция происходила бы гораздо медленнее.

  Without the enzyme, the reaction would occur much more slowly.

• Фермент в этой смеси стабилизирует химические соединения.

  The enzyme in this mixture stabilizes the chemical compounds.

• В лаборатории мы синтезировали новый фермент для медицинских целей.

  In the laboratory, we synthesized a new enzyme for medical purposes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"фермент" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard noun inflections for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular in its inflections, with no irregularities, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • энзим (enzim) - A direct borrowing, often used interchangeably in modern scientific contexts, but less common in traditional Russian texts.
  • катализатор (katalizator) - More general term for any catalyst, with a subtle difference as it can apply beyond biological contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • ингибитор (inhibitor) - Refers to substances that slow down or prevent reactions, contrasting with the accelerating role of an enzyme.

Related Phrases:

• диgestивный фермент - Digestive enzyme; Used in contexts discussing nutrition or health.
• ферментативная реакция - Enzymatic reaction; Common in biochemistry to describe processes involving enzymes.
• активный фермент - Active enzyme; Refers to enzymes in their functional state, often in medical or lab settings.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "фермент" directly corresponds to the English "enzyme" in scientific and technical contexts, but it's primarily used in formal or academic settings. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it may sound overly technical. When choosing between synonyms like "энзим," opt for "фермент" in traditional Russian texts for a more native feel. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., "важный фермент" for "important enzyme"). In sentences, it's often paired with verbs like "ускорять" (to speed up) or "влиять" (to influence) to describe its functions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "фермент" with "ферментация" (fermentation process). Learners might misuse it as a verb or in the wrong context.

  Correct: Use "фермент" as a noun only. Example of error: "Я ферментирую еду" (incorrect, implying direct action). Correct: "Фермент ускоряет ферментацию еды" (The enzyme speeds up the fermentation of food).

  Explanation: "фермент" is a noun, not a process; use "ферментировать" for the verb form if needed.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using the nominative in all cases (e.g., "с фермент" instead of "с ферментом").

  Correct: Always inflect based on case, e.g., "с ферментом" in instrumental case.

  Explanation: This is a common mistake for beginners due to Russian's complex case system; practice with declension tables to avoid it.

Cultural Notes:

While "фермент" itself is a neutral scientific term without strong cultural connotations, it reflects Russia's emphasis on biology and chemistry in education, stemming from the Soviet era's focus on scientific advancement. In modern Russian culture, enzymes are often discussed in health and wellness contexts, such as in traditional medicine or dietary advice, highlighting the intersection of science and everyday life.

Related Concepts:

• катализ
• метаболизм
• биохимия