coagulase
Definition
- Noun:
- An enzyme that induces coagulation: Coagulase is a specific enzyme produced by certain microorganisms, most notably some strains of Staphylococcus bacteria. Its primary function is to cause the clotting (coagulation) of blood plasma by converting fibrinogen to fibrin.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The laboratory test confirmed the presence of coagulase, identifying the bacterium as Staphylococcus aureus.
- A positive coagulase test is a key diagnostic criterion for pathogenic staphylococci.
Advanced Usage
"Coagulase-positive": A term used to describe bacteria, especially staphylococci, that produce the coagulase enzyme. This characteristic is often associated with increased virulence.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a coagulase-positive organism, while Staphylococcus epidermidis is coagulase-negative.
"Coagulase test": A standard microbiological procedure used to detect the presence of the coagulase enzyme, helping to differentiate between bacterial species.
- The coagulase test is performed by mixing the bacterial culture with plasma and observing for clot formation.
Variants and Related Words
Coagulase-negative (adj): Describing bacteria that do not produce the coagulase enzyme.
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci are common skin flora but can sometimes cause infections.
Coagulation (n): The process of a liquid, especially blood, changing to a solid or semi-solid state.
- Coagulant (n): A substance that causes coagulation.
Synonyms
- Clotting enzyme: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its function.
- Procoagulant enzyme: A more technical term for an agent that promotes coagulation.
Related Phrases
- Bound coagulase: Also known as "clumping factor," this form of the enzyme is attached to the bacterial cell wall and causes cells to clump together in plasma.
- Free coagulase: This form of the enzyme is secreted by the bacterium into its surroundings.
Noun
-
an enzyme that induces coagulation
