What is indicated by the suffix "-in" or "-ine"?

The suffix "-in" or "-ine" signifies a substance or chemical, and is commonly used in the context of biochemistry and medicine to refer to various compounds. For example, "insulin" is a protein hormone that regulates glucose levels, and "serotonin" is a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. The use of this suffix helps in identifying or categorizing specific types of materials or molecules, particularly those with biological significance.

This differentiation plays a critical role in learning medical terminology, as it allows healthcare professionals and students to discern the nature of various compounds they might encounter in medical texts or practice. Understanding that "-in" or "-ine" directly relates to substances can aid in memorization and recognition of important terms in a clinical setting.