DNA LIGASES Meaning and
Definition
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DNA ligases are enzymes that play a crucial role in the process of DNA replication and repair. These enzymes are responsible for catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between the adjacent nucleotides in DNA strands, leading to the sealing of broken or discontinuous DNA segments. The ligation process ensures the integrity and stability of the DNA molecule.
In DNA replication, DNA ligases are involved in the final step of joining the Okazaki fragments, which are short segments of newly synthesized DNA on the lagging strand. These fragments are formed during DNA replication due to the discontinuous nature of the lagging strand synthesis. DNA ligases bind to the nick, or break, in the backbone of the DNA molecule and catalyze the formation of a covalent bond between the 3' hydroxyl group of one nucleotide and the 5' phosphate group of the adjacent nucleotide, thus sealing the DNA strands.
In DNA repair, DNA ligases are instrumental in the process of DNA recombination and the repair of single-strand breaks and double-strand breaks. They play a critical role in sealing the damaged DNA strands, allowing for accurate and functional DNA repair.
Overall, DNA ligases are essential enzymes in maintaining the integrity and stability of the DNA molecule by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds and joining DNA fragments. Their function is vital in various cellular processes, including DNA replication, repair, and recombination.
Common Misspellings for DNA LIGASES
- sna ligases
- xna ligases
- cna ligases
- fna ligases
- rna ligases
- ena ligases
- dba ligases
- dma ligases
- dja ligases
- dha ligases
- dnz ligases
- dns ligases
- dnw ligases
- dnq ligases
- dna kigases
- dna pigases
- dna oigases
- dna lugases
- dna ljgases
- dna lkgases
Etymology of DNA LIGASES
The term "DNA ligases" can be broken down into its two main components: "DNA" and "ligase".
The acronym "DNA" stands for "deoxyribonucleic acid", which is a complex molecule found in all living organisms. It carries the genetic instructions necessary for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of organisms.
The term "ligase" comes from the Latin word "ligare", meaning "to bind" or "to tie together". In biochemistry, a ligase is an enzyme responsible for joining together two DNA strands by catalyzing the formation of a phosphodiester bond. Hence, the term "DNA ligase" refers to an enzyme that binds together the DNA fragments in a process called ligation, creating a continuous DNA strand.
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