1. An enzyme that catalyzes the addition of a phosphate group to a substrate molecule, or the breakdown of glycogen into glucose-1-phosphate.
Usage: biochemistry; technical term

Examples

• Phosphorylase plays a crucial role in breaking down glycogen during the fight-or-flight response.
• The enzyme phosphorylase is activated by hormones like epinephrine and glucagon.
• Muscle phosphorylase deficiency can lead to exercise intolerance and muscle pain.
• Phosphorylase catalyzes the phosphorolysis of glycogen to release glucose for energy.
• In the liver, phosphorylase helps maintain blood glucose levels between meals.