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

Compare meaning

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

• DNA vs. RNA polymerase

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

RNA polymerase

The researchers showed that two full 3CD molecules, each carrying its own RNA polymerase, bind side by side on the viral RNA.

From Science Daily ● May 13, 2026

"Serratus identifies RNA viruses from public data by flagging an enzyme called RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which facilitates replication of viral RNA. This enzyme allows the virus to reproduce itself and for the infection to spread."

From Science Daily ● May 31, 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

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