helicase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “helicase” mean?
An enzyme that unwinds DNA or RNA by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that unwinds DNA or RNA by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs.
In molecular biology, a motor protein that moves directionally along a nucleic acid phosphodiester backbone, using energy from nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis to separate two annealed nucleic acid strands, a critical step in replication, transcription, repair, and recombination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation of the final syllable may vary subtly (-aze vs. -ace).
Connotations
None beyond the scientific meaning.
Frequency
Usage frequency is identical, confined to specialist scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “helicase” in a Sentence
The helicase unwinds (the double-stranded DNA).Helicase activity is essential for (DNA replication).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “helicase” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The helicase domain is highly conserved.
- A helicase-deficient mutant was generated.
American English
- The helicase domain is highly conserved.
- A helicase-deficient mutant was created.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in advanced life sciences, particularly genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in research papers, lab protocols, and specialist textbooks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “helicase”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “helicase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “helicase”
- Mispronouncing it as 'heli-case' (like a suitcase).
- Confusing it with 'polymerase' or 'ligase'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The protein helicases the DNA' is non-standard; prefer '...acts as a helicase to unwind...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is exclusively a noun in modern usage, referring to the enzyme.
Yes, helicases can act on DNA-DNA, RNA-RNA, or DNA-RNA hybrids, and are classified accordingly.
Helicases are motor proteins that hydrolyse nucleoside triphosphates (like ATP) to fuel their mechanical movement along the nucleic acid.
No, it is a strictly biological term with no common metaphorical or extended use in other fields.
An enzyme that unwinds DNA or RNA by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs.
Helicase is usually technical/scientific in register.
Helicase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhiːlɪkeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhiːləˌkeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HELIcopter landing on the DNA helix and using its rotors to unwind it. HELICase unwinds the HELIx.
Conceptual Metaphor
A ZIPPER OPENER (for the double helix).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a helicase?