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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of ligase

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

Example Sentences

Their experiments revealed that UNI418 activates a protein disposal pathway called the Cul4A ubiquitin ligase complex.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

The team noted that R3C ligase activity was dependent on the concentration of ATP, with higher activity observed at higher concentrations of ATP.

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

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

Primers are removed, new DNA nucleotides are put in place of the primers and the backbone is sealed by DNA ligase.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013