How Do You Spell INTEGRASE?

Pronunciation: [ˈɪntɪɡɹˌe͡ɪz] (IPA)

Integrase is a term commonly used in biochemistry and genetics, referring to an enzyme that helps integrate viral DNA into the genome of host cells. The phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈɪntəɡreɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced as "in-tuh," followed by a short e sound like "eh." The second syllable is pronounced as "grayss," with a long a sound like "ay" and a soft s sound. Understanding the correct spelling and pronunciation of scientific terms is crucial for effective communication in the field.

INTEGRASE Meaning and Definition

1. Integrase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in genetic recombination and viral replication processes. Specifically, it is responsible for the integration of viral DNA into the genome of host cells. This enzyme acts on both the viral DNA and the cellular DNA, catalyzing the process of recombination between the two.

   In viral replication, integrase functions after the reverse transcription phase, where the viral RNA is converted into DNA by the reverse transcriptase enzyme. Integrase ensures the stable integration of the viral DNA into the genome of the host cell, allowing the virus to persist and reproduce. This integration is essential for the virus to complete its life cycle and maintain long-term infections.

   Integrase belongs to a class of enzymes known as nucleases, which break and rejoin the DNA strands. It recognizes specific DNA sequences, known as attachment sites, on both the viral and cellular DNA, facilitating their recombination. Additionally, it reversibly cleaves the DNA strands, allowing them to be joined together covalently. This results in the integration of the viral DNA into the host cell genome.

   Understanding the mechanism and function of integrase has significant implications for the fields of virology and genetic engineering. Studying the activity of this enzyme has aided in the development of antiviral therapies, specifically targeting the integration step of viral replication to inhibit the spread of infections. Furthermore, the properties and mechanisms of integrase have been harnessed for genetic engineering techniques, such as gene therapy and the creation of genetically modified organisms.

Common Misspellings for INTEGRASE

• uintegrase

Etymology of INTEGRASE

The word "integrase" is derived from the combination of two terms: "integrate" and "ase".

"Integrate" originates from the Latin word "integrare", which means "to make whole" or "to renew". In molecular biology, the process of integrating foreign genetic material into a host organism's genome is referred to as integration. This involves incorporating specific segments of DNA into the host's chromosomal DNA sequence.

"-ase" is a common suffix used to denote an enzyme, derived from the Greek word "ases" or "azon" meaning "enzyme" or "tool".

Therefore, "integrase" refers to the enzyme responsible for the integration process, specifically its role in catalyzing the integration of foreign DNA into a host organism's DNA.

Plural form of INTEGRASE is INTEGRASES