DNA GYRASE Meaning and
Definition
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DNA gyrase is a type of enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process of DNA replication and regulation of DNA supercoiling. It is a member of the topoisomerase family and is specifically involved in the negative supercoiling of DNA. The enzyme achieves this by introducing negative supercoils, which refer to the twisting of the DNA helix in the opposite direction to its natural coiling.
DNA gyrase functions by cleaving both strands of the DNA double helix and passing another section of the DNA through the break, thus altering the overall topology of the DNA molecule. This process is known as topoisomerization and allows for compaction and unraveling of DNA, making it more accessible for various cellular processes, such as transcription and replication.
In addition to its crucial role in DNA supercoiling, DNA gyrase is also responsible for the relaxation of positive supercoils, which can accumulate ahead of the replication forks during DNA replication. By removing these positive supercoils, DNA gyrase helps to relieve the torsional strain that can hinder the progression of the replication process.
DNA gyrase is found predominantly in prokaryotic organisms, including bacteria, where it is essential for their survival. It is a target for many antibiotics, such as the fluoroquinolones, that inhibit its activity, leading to the disruption of DNA replication and cell death.
Common Misspellings for DNA GYRASE
- sna gyrase
- xna gyrase
- cna gyrase
- fna gyrase
- rna gyrase
- ena gyrase
- dba gyrase
- dma gyrase
- dja gyrase
- dha gyrase
- dnz gyrase
- dns gyrase
- dnw gyrase
- dnq gyrase
- dna fyrase
- dna vyrase
- dna byrase
- dna hyrase
- dna yyrase
- dna tyrase
Etymology of DNA GYRASE
The word "gyrase" in "DNA gyrase" comes from the Greek word "gyros", meaning "circle" or "rotation".
The term "gyrase" was coined because DNA gyrase is an enzyme that introduces negative supercoils into DNA by using ATP energy to twist the DNA helix into a more coiled or "circled" structure.
The "DNA" part of the term refers to Deoxyribonucleic Acid which is the genetic material present in all living organisms.
Similar spelling words for DNA GYRASE
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