nuclease
Definition
Noun: An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of nucleic acids (like DNA or RNA) by breaking the phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides, resulting in smaller nucleic acid fragments.
Usage
Nuclease is a scientific term used primarily in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. It refers to a class of enzymes, not a single specific enzyme. The word is typically used in contexts discussing DNA/RNA digestion, editing, repair, or analysis.
Examples
- In a sentence: "The researcher added a nuclease to the sample to degrade any contaminating RNA."
- In a sentence: "Restriction enzymes are a specific type of nuclease that cut DNA at precise sequences."
- In a sentence: "Cells use nucleases in DNA repair pathways to remove damaged sections."
Advanced Usage
- "Nuclease activity": This phrase refers to the functional capability of an enzyme to cleave nucleic acids.
- Example: "The protein was purified and tested for nuclease activity."
- "Nuclease protection assay": This is a specific laboratory technique used to map RNA molecules.
- Example: "We used a nuclease protection assay to determine the exact start site of transcription."
Variants and Related Words
- Endonuclease (n): A nuclease that cleaves nucleic acid chains at internal sites.
- Exonuclease (n): A nuclease that cleaves nucleic acids by removing nucleotides from the ends of the chain.
- Ribonuclease (RNase) (n): A nuclease that specifically degrades RNA.
- Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) (n): A nuclease that specifically degrades DNA.
- Nucleolytic (adj): Relating to or causing the digestion of nucleic acids.
Synonyms
- Nucleic acid hydrolase: A more descriptive, technical synonym.
- Polynucleotidase: An older, less common term.
Related Phrases
- Nuclease-free water: A specially treated water certified to contain no nuclease enzymes, crucial for molecular biology experiments to prevent sample degradation.
- Example: "Always use nuclease-free water when preparing solutions for RNA work."
Noun
-
general term for enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of nucleic acid by cleaving chains of nucleotides into smaller units
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