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RNA polymerase

American  

noun

Biochemistry.
  1. an enzyme that synthesizes the formation of RNA from a DNA template during transcription.


RNA polymerase Scientific  
  1. A polymerase that catalyzes the synthesis of a complementary strand of RNA from a DNA template, or, in some viruses, from an RNA template.


Etymology

Origin of RNA polymerase

First recorded in 1960–65

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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:

This interaction blocks gene transcription and interferes with the activity of RNA polymerase or transcription factors.

From Science Daily May 1, 2026

Now, a team of international scientists, including University of Michigan researchers, have used advanced microscopy to image how ribosomes recruit to mRNA while it's being transcribed by an enzyme called RNA polymerase, or RNAP.

From Science Daily Nov. 28, 2024

Joyce's team is re-creating this processin laboratory test tubes, applying increasing selective pressure on the system to produce better-performing polymerases, with the goal of one day producing an RNA polymerase that can replicate itself.

From Science Daily Mar. 4, 2024

Scientists like Joyce have been exploring this idea for years, with a particular focus on RNA polymerase ribozymes -- RNA molecules that can make copies of other RNA strands.

From Science Daily Mar. 4, 2024

Over the last decade, Joyce and his team have been developing RNA polymerase ribozymes in the lab, using a form of directed evolution to produce new versions capable of replicating larger molecules.

From Science Daily Mar. 4, 2024

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