endonuclease: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low frequencyTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “endonuclease” mean?
An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sites within its sequence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sites within its sequence.
Any of a class of enzymes (restriction endonucleases are a key type) that hydrolyze internal phosphodiester bonds in a DNA molecule, a fundamental tool in molecular biology and genetic engineering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with identical, extremely low, domain-specific frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “endonuclease” in a Sentence
[endonuclease] + [verb: cleaves/cuts/digests] + [object: DNA/the plasmid]The [endonuclease] + [is/are] + [used/employed] + [to-infinitive: to cut DNA]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “endonuclease” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [The enzyme can endonucleolytically cleave the strand.]
American English
- [The plasmid was endonucleased to completion.]
adverb
British English
- [The DNA was cut endonucleolytically.]
American English
- [The enzyme acts endonucleolytically.]
adjective
British English
- [The endonucleolytic activity was measured.]
American English
- [They performed an endonuclease digestion reaction.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Central term in molecular biology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside a scientific or educational context.
Technical
Core, precise term. Its use implies specific enzymatic function and is essential in protocols for cloning, genotyping, and sequencing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “endonuclease”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “endonuclease”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “endonuclease”
- Misspelling as 'endonuclese' or 'endonuclase'.
- Using it as a general term for any DNA-modifying enzyme.
- Incorrect plural: 'endonucleasis' (correct: 'endonucleases').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An endonuclease cuts DNA at points *within* the polynucleotide chain, while an exonuclease removes nucleotides sequentially from the *ends* of the chain.
They cut DNA at highly specific recognition sequences, allowing scientists to reproducibly fragment DNA for analysis, cloning, and genetic engineering.
While 'endonuclease' generally refers to DNA-cutting enzymes, the term can technically apply to RNases that cut RNA internally. However, in standard usage, it is assumed to refer to DNA endonucleases unless specified otherwise.
They are produced naturally by bacteria as part of a defence system (restriction-modification system) to degrade foreign, invading DNA, such as that from bacteriophages.
An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sites within its sequence.
Endonuclease is usually technical/scientific in register.
Endonuclease: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɛndəʊˈnjuːklɪeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɛndoʊˈnuːkliˌeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms; technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ENDO' means 'inside' (like 'endoscope'), and 'NUCLEASE' sounds like 'nucleus' (where DNA is). So, an enzyme that cuts DNA *inside* the strand.
Conceptual Metaphor
A molecular 'scalpel' or 'pair of scissors' that makes precise, internal cuts in the 'thread' of DNA.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an endonuclease?