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ligase

American  
[lahy-geys, -geyz] / ˈlaɪ geɪs, -geɪz /

noun

Biochemistry.
  1. any of a class of enzymes that catalyze the joining of two molecules by formation of a covalent bond accompanied by the hydrolysis of ATP.


ligase British  
/ ˈlaɪˌɡeɪz /

noun

  1. any of a class of enzymes that catalyse the formation of covalent bonds and are important in the synthesis and repair of biological molecules, such as DNA

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ligase

1961; < Latin lig ( āre ) to tie, bind + -ase

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

To explore if the elongation of RNA, achieved by linking individual RNA units together, is regulated allosterically, the researchers altered the structure of the R3C ligase.

From Science Daily Apr. 18, 2024

This research demonstrated that a network involving HCR3/J3/HSP40 co-chaperone and the chaperone HSP70 controls crossover interference and localization by facilitating the degradation of the pro-crossover protein, HEI10 ubiquitin E3 ligase.

From Science Daily Mar. 8, 2024

Beckmann's team has now demonstrated how this substep works: When the translation has finished, the E3 ligase recognizes the large subunit of the ribosomes.

From Science Daily Feb. 23, 2024

The gap between the two DNA fragments is sealed by DNA ligase, which helps in the formation of phosphodiester bonds.

From Textbooks Jun. 9, 2022

Addition of an enzyme called DNA ligase, which takes part in DNA replication in cells, permanently joins the DNA fragments when the sticky ends come together.

From Textbooks Apr. 25, 2013

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