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

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