The vast majority of enzymes, especially those involved in metabolic reactions, end in "-ase". This suffix indicates that the molecule is an enzyme.
Examples:
* Lipase breaks down lipids.
* Protease breaks down proteins.
* Lactase breaks down lactose (a sugar).
* Amylase breaks down starch.
* DNA polymerase builds DNA.
* RNA polymerase builds RNA.
Exceptions:
* Some enzymes have historical names that do not end in "-ase". For example, pepsin and trypsin are both proteases.
* A small number of enzymes have names that end in "-in" or "-en". For example, renin and chymotrypsin.
In summary:
If you see a word ending in "-ase", it's likely an enzyme. While there are exceptions, this suffix is a strong indicator.
