Zymogens

Zymogens are inactive forms of enzymes, which are proteins that help break down substances in the body. They are like "ready-to-activate" troops kept dormant until needed. This prevents them from damaging tissues or causing problems prematurely. When the body signals they are needed, zymogens are transformed into active enzymes through specific processes, enabling them to perform their functions, such as digesting food or triggering immune responses. An example is pepsinogen, the zymogen form of pepsin, which helps digest proteins in the stomach only when activated.