endonuclease

American  

[en-doh-noo-klee-eys, -eyz, -nyoo-] / ˌɛn doʊˈnu kliˌeɪs, -ˌeɪz, -ˈnyu- /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of a group of enzymes that degrade DNA or RNA molecules by breaking linkages within the polynucleotide chains.

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endonuclease British  

/ ˌɛndəʊˈnjuːklɪˌeɪz /

noun

1. an enzyme that is responsible for scission of a nucleic acid chain, the action of which is not confined to the terminal nucleotide Compare exonuclease

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Etymology

Origin of endonuclease

First recorded in 1960–65; endo- + nuclease

Example Sentences

The paper is titled "Activation of CBASS-Cap5 endonuclease immune effector by cyclic nucleotides."

From Science Daily

But the challenge was how to introduce the endonuclease gene and its associated genetic payload to a spot in the genome where it would work safely without inadvertently affecting other aspects of the animal’s physiology.

From Scientific American

It is the first drug in a new class called endonuclease inhibitors.

From Scientific American

It is an endonuclease inhibitor; this is the first new class of influenza drugs to hit the market in over two decades.

From Scientific American

Researchers need only an enzyme that cuts DNA, such as the endonuclease Cas9, and a guide RNA molecule that directs the enzyme to cut the gene of interest.

From Nature