transcriptase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (Technical)Highly technical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “transcriptase” mean?
An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.
Specifically, reverse transcriptase is an enzyme that synthesizes DNA from an RNA template, a process central to the life cycle of retroviruses like HIV.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The technical register is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “transcriptase” in a Sentence
[reverse] transcriptase + [prepositional phrase (e.g., from the virus)][adjective] transcriptase + [verb (e.g., catalyses, synthesises)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used outside of biotechnology/pharmaceutical R&D contexts.
Academic
Exclusively used in specialised fields of molecular biology, genetics, virology, and biochemistry.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context of use. Refers to a critical enzyme in genetic transcription and viral replication.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transcriptase”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transcriptase”
- Using 'transcriptase' alone without 'reverse' when referring to the retroviral enzyme.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to transcriptase'). It is only a noun.
- Misspelling as 'transcriptaze'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It is almost always used in the compound form 'reverse transcriptase' or specified with a prefix like 'RNA transcriptase'.
All transcriptases are a type of polymerase (an enzyme that synthesizes chains of nucleic acids). 'Transcriptase' specifies the template (DNA or RNA) and product (RNA or DNA), while 'polymerase' is a more general term.
It is a key target for antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS, as inhibiting it prevents the virus from integrating into the host genome.
No, it is strictly a noun. The related verb is 'transcribe', and the process is 'transcription'.
An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.
Transcriptase is usually highly technical/scientific in register.
Transcriptase: in British English it is pronounced /tranˈskrɪpteɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /trænˈskrɪpteɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'transcript' as a written copy. A 'transcriptase' is an enzyme that makes a copy (of RNA from DNA or vice versa).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE COPY MACHINE: The enzyme is conceptualised as a highly specialised molecular machine that duplicates genetic information.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of reverse transcriptase?