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

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

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

In the process, they discovered the role of an enzyme, a special E3 ligase that joins a small protein modification called UFM1 to the large ribosomal subunit, as a key mechanism of recycling.

From Science Daily • Feb. 23, 2024

DNA ligase removes the RNA primers from the developing copy of DNA.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

As synthesis proceeds, an enzyme removes the RNA primer, which is then replaced with DNA nucleotides, and the gaps between fragments are sealed by an enzyme called DNA ligase.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013