dna polymerase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dna polymerase” mean?
An enzyme that synthesises DNA molecules by assembling nucleotides.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that synthesises DNA molecules by assembling nucleotides.
A class of enzymes responsible for creating new strands of DNA from a template strand during DNA replication and repair. Different types exist (e.g., Pol I, Pol III, Taq polymerase) with specialised functions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or lexical differences. Pronunciation may differ slightly (see IPA). In academic writing, both follow the same conventions.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language but equally common in molecular biology contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dna polymerase” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] DNA polymerase [VERB] the new strand.DNA polymerase is essential for [NOUN PHRASE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dna polymerase” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [This term is not used as a verb.]
American English
- [This term is not used as a verb.]
adverb
British English
- [This term is not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [This term is not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- The DNA polymerase function is conserved.
- A DNA polymerase inhibitor was discovered.
American English
- The DNA polymerase function is conserved.
- A DNA polymerase inhibitor was discovered.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except in biotech/pharma company reports.
Academic
Core term in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and related life sciences.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only in simplified explanations of genetics or forensics (e.g., 'DNA testing').
Technical
The primary and precise context of use, detailing types, functions, and mechanisms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dna polymerase”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dna polymerase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dna polymerase”
- Misspelling as 'DNA polymerace' or 'DNA polymerise'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The cell DNA polymerases the strand' - incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'RNA polymerase'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily for replication, but different DNA polymerases are also involved in DNA repair and recombination processes.
DNA polymerase builds DNA molecules using deoxyribonucleotides. RNA polymerase builds RNA molecules using ribonucleotides.
Taq polymerase, from the bacterium Thermus aquaticus, is heat-stable and revolutionized the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) by automating the DNA amplification process.
Most DNA polymerases cannot initiate synthesis de novo; they require a short RNA primer provided by another enzyme (primase) to provide a starting point.
An enzyme that synthesises DNA molecules by assembling nucleotides.
Dna polymerase is usually technical/scientific in register.
Dna polymerase: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdiːˌɛnˈeɪ ˈpɒlɪməreɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdiːˌɛnˈeɪ pəˈlɪməˌreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DNA polymerase as a 'molecular photocopier': it reads one DNA strand (the original) and builds a new, complementary copy.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MACHINE/BUILDER: DNA polymerase is often described as a 'molecular machine' that 'assembles' or 'synthesises' the new DNA strand.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of DNA polymerase?