POLYMERASE ENZYME Meaning and
Definition
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Polymerase enzyme is a type of protein catalyst that plays a critical role in the replication and synthesis of DNA and RNA molecules. It is responsible for catalyzing the formation of new polymer chains by linking nucleotide subunits together.
Specifically, polymerase enzymes function by attaching nucleotides to a growing DNA or RNA chain during replication or transcription processes. They possess the ability to synthesize complementary strands of nucleic acids, using one strand as a template. This enzyme recognizes the sequence of the DNA or RNA template and ensures that the nucleotides added to the growing chain match the template sequence. This process ensures the accurate transfer of genetic information during cell division or protein synthesis.
Polymerase enzymes are involved in various cellular processes, including DNA replication, DNA repair, and the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA). Different types of polymerase enzymes exist, specialized for specific tasks. For instance, DNA polymerases are responsible for DNA replication and repair, while RNA polymerases are involved in the transcription of DNA into mRNA.
The discovery and understanding of polymerase enzymes have greatly contributed to advancements in molecular biology and genetic research. The use of polymerase enzymes, such as DNA polymerase, in techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has revolutionized DNA analysis and diagnostics. These enzymes are of significant importance in studying and manipulating genetic information, leading to breakthroughs in various fields including medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Common Misspellings for POLYMERASE ENZYME
- oolymerase enzyme
- lolymerase enzyme
- 0olymerase enzyme
- pilymerase enzyme
- pklymerase enzyme
- pllymerase enzyme
- pplymerase enzyme
- p0lymerase enzyme
- p9lymerase enzyme
- pokymerase enzyme
- popymerase enzyme
- pooymerase enzyme
- poltmerase enzyme
- polgmerase enzyme
- polhmerase enzyme
- polumerase enzyme
- pol7merase enzyme
- pol6merase enzyme
- polynerase enzyme
- polykerase enzyme
Etymology of POLYMERASE ENZYME
The word "polymerase" is derived from the Greek words "polys", meaning "many", and "meros", meaning "part". "Polymerase" refers to an enzyme that polymerizes or combines many smaller molecules (monomers) together to form a larger molecule (polymer).
The term "enzyme" comes from the Greek word "enzume", meaning "in yeast", which was used to refer to any substance that caused fermentation. It was later discovered that enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate reactions in living organisms.
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