ligase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency, Technical)Technical/Scientific (Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology)
Quick answer
What does “ligase” mean?
An enzyme that catalyzes the joining of two molecules, especially DNA strands.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that catalyzes the joining of two molecules, especially DNA strands.
In biochemistry and molecular biology, a class of enzymes that form covalent bonds between molecules, most famously in DNA replication and repair processes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Pronunciation follows standard national patterns (see IPA).
Connotations
None beyond the scientific meaning.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of technical contexts in both regions. Frequency in relevant scientific literature is identical.
Grammar
How to Use “ligase” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] (e.g., DNA fragments) were joined by [ligase].[Ligase] catalyses the formation of a [NOUN] bond between [NOUN].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ligase” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The ligase reaction was optimal at 16°C.
- A ligase-deficient strain was used.
American English
- The ligase buffer must be kept on ice.
- They used a ligase-free control.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unused.
Academic
Core term in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Essential term in laboratory protocols, genetic engineering, and diagnostic assays.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ligase”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ligase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ligase”
- Misspelling as 'ligaze' or 'ligace'. Incorrectly using it as a verb (e.g., 'to ligase the DNA' is non-standard; preferred: 'to ligate using ligase').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'ligase' is exclusively a noun. The related verb is 'to ligate'. One performs a ligation *using* a ligase.
Polymerase synthesises new DNA or RNA strands by adding nucleotides. Ligase joins existing strands (like sealing a nick in DNA or connecting two fragments) but does not synthesise new sequence.
It is found in all cellular organisms and many viruses. It is essential for DNA replication (joining Okazaki fragments) and DNA repair pathways.
Many ligases are ATP-dependent because the joining reaction requires energy to form the new chemical bond. ATP provides this energy through its hydrolysis.
An enzyme that catalyzes the joining of two molecules, especially DNA strands.
Ligase is usually technical/scientific (biology, biochemistry, molecular biology) in register.
Ligase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪɡeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪˌɡeɪs/ or /ˈlɪɡeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LIGASE ties things together like a piece of LIGATURE or LACE. It 'lig-aces' molecules into one piece.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOLECULAR GLUE / MOLECULAR STITCHING NEEDLE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a DNA ligase?