polymerase
n. C1 Advanced US //ˈpɑˌɫɪmɝˌeɪs// poly·merase
n. a special type of enzyme that helps copy DNA or RNA. It builds long chains of molecules by adding one piece at a time.
n. an enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of DNA or RNA by adding nucleotide subunits to a growing chain. It plays a central role in DNA replication and transcription.
The polymerase copies the DNA strand during cell division.
During the polymerase chain reaction, the enzyme amplifies a specific DNA sequence by doubling it many times.
The fidelity of the polymerase determines the accuracy of genetic information passed from one generation to the next, as it corrects errors during the replication process.
From polymer + -ase.
- Nounpolymer
- Nounpolymerase
- Nounpolymerization