RNA polymerase

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

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

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of RNA polymerase

First recorded in 1960–65

Compare meaning

How does rna-polymerase compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• DNA vs. RNA polymerase

Example Sentences

RNA polymerase II, also called Pol II, is the enzyme responsible for transcribing protein-coding genes in eukaryotic cells.

From Science Daily • Dec. 1, 2025

The RNA polymerase complex comprises 21 subunits encoded in the two genomes, nuclear and chloroplast.

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

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

It has more subunits than its ancestor, the bacterial RNA polymerase, and is even bigger than human RNA polymerases.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2024