ABSTRACT
The charge to the Enzyme Commission was “to consider the classification and nomenclature of enzymes and coenzymes, their units of activity and standard methods of assay, together with the symbols used in the description of enzyme kinetics.” A classification based on the type of chemical reaction catalyzed seems to be a logical classification since this is really the basis for distinguishing one enzyme from another. One attempt at a systematic nomenclature in the early days of enzymology was the suggestion that “-ase” be added to the stem of the substrate upon which the enzyme acts. The nomenclature will also need to distinguish among the genetically engineered forms. A number of enzymes were named after the species or genus of the organism in which they are found. Enzymes that catalyze the same chemical reaction often differ in physical and chemical properties from one type organelle to another.
