POLYMERASE Meaning and
Definition
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Polymerase is an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the synthesis of long chains of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, from their building blocks. It achieves this by adding nucleotides to the growing RNA or DNA chain, according to the sequence of the template strand. Polymerases are crucial for the replication and transcription of genetic material.
There are different types of polymerases that play specific roles in various cellular processes. DNA polymerases are responsible for the replication of DNA during cell division and repair processes. RNA polymerases, on the other hand, transcribe DNA into RNA molecules, which can then be translated into proteins.
Polymerases have a high degree of specificity, meaning they ensure the accuracy of nucleotide incorporation by matching the complementarity of the template strand. They possess a catalytic site that facilitates the addition of nucleotides to the growing chain, and some polymerases also have proofreading capabilities to correct errors during synthesis.
The discovery and understanding of polymerase enzymes have significantly contributed to the fields of molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a widely used technique, relies on the activity of DNA polymerase to amplify specific DNA fragments in the laboratory.
In summary, polymerases are essential enzymes involved in the synthesis of nucleic acid chains, enabling DNA replication and RNA transcription. Their specificity and catalytic activity make them vital players in the accurate transfer of genetic information.
Common Misspellings for POLYMERASE
Etymology of POLYMERASE
The word "polymerase" is derived from the Greek term "polymeros", meaning "having many parts" or "many units", and the suffix "-ase", which is generally used to signify an enzyme. Polymerase refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the polymerization of nucleotides or monomers to form a polymer, such as DNA or RNA. The entire term "polymerase" describes the role of this enzyme in synthesizing polymers through the connection of multiple subunits or units.
Similar spelling words for POLYMERASE
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