Esterase

{{Short description|Class of enzymes which split esters into an acid and alcohol via hydrolysis}}

{{distinguish|Transferase}}

In biochemistry, an esterase is a class of enzyme that splits esters into an acid and an alcohol in a chemical reaction with water called hydrolysis (and as such, it is a type of hydrolase).

A wide range of different esterases exist that differ in their substrate specificity, their protein structure, and their biological function.

EC classification/list of enzymes

See also