polymerase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalScientific, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “polymerase” mean?
An enzyme that synthesizes polymers of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) using an existing strand as a template.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that synthesizes polymers of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) using an existing strand as a template.
Any of various enzymes that catalyze the formation of DNA or RNA from nucleoside triphosphates, essential for replication, transcription, and repair in all living organisms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences; minor potential differences in surrounding lab slang (e.g., 'pol' vs. 'poly' as shorthand).
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency in relevant academic/technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “polymerase” in a Sentence
[polymerase] + [verb: synthesizes, catalyzes, replicates, transcribes] + [noun: DNA, RNA, strand, template][adjective: specific, thermostable, viral] + [polymerase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polymerase” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The polymerase chain reaction is a fundamental technique.
- We need a polymerase-free buffer for the control.
American English
- The polymerase chain reaction is a fundamental technique.
- We require a polymerase-free buffer for the control.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare outside biotech/pharma contexts; e.g., 'The company licensed a novel polymerase technology.'
Academic
Highly frequent in life sciences research papers and textbooks; e.g., 'The study examined the error rate of the polymerase.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in general conversation.
Technical
Core term in laboratory protocols, genetic engineering, diagnostics (e.g., PCR); e.g., 'Add 1 unit of polymerase per reaction.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polymerase”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “polymerase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polymerase”
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (/ˈpɒlɪməreɪz/) is incorrect.
- Using as a general term for any enzyme.
- Misspelling as 'polymersase' or 'polymeraze'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A polymer is a large molecule made of repeating subunits (like DNA). A polymerase is the enzyme that builds that polymer.
DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA using a DNA template. RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA using a DNA template.
Taq polymerase, isolated from a thermophilic bacterium, is heat-stable and revolutionized the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) by allowing automated, high-temperature cycling.
No, 'polymerase' is strictly a noun. The verb form is 'polymerize,' but that is a more general chemical process not specific to enzymes.
An enzyme that synthesizes polymers of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) using an existing strand as a template.
Polymerase is usually scientific, technical, academic in register.
Polymerase: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈlɪməreɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈlɪməreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'POLYmer-ASE': it makes a POLYmer (a long chain of nucleic acids) and the '-ase' suffix indicates it's an enzyme.
Conceptual Metaphor
A molecular 'copy machine' or 'assembly line' that reads a template and builds a complementary chain.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of DNA polymerase?