DNA ligase
DNA Ligase
DNA ligase (pronounced: dee-en-ay lie-gase) is an enzyme that facilitates the joining of DNA strands together by forming a phosphodiester bond. It plays a crucial role in the process of DNA replication and DNA repair.
Etymology
The term "DNA ligase" is derived from the Latin word "ligare", which means "to bind" or "to tie". This is reflective of the enzyme's function in binding or tying together the DNA strands.
Function
DNA ligase is responsible for the process of ligation, where it joins two DNA fragments together. This is particularly important during DNA replication and repair, where the enzyme helps in sealing nicks in the DNA backbone, ensuring the integrity and continuity of the DNA molecule.
In DNA replication, DNA ligase is used to join the Okazaki fragments (short DNA sequences) on the lagging strand to form a complete DNA molecule. In DNA repair, it is used to rejoin the DNA strands that have been cut during the repair process.
Related Terms
- Enzyme: A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in cells.
- DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in all living organisms.
- DNA replication: The process by which a DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.
- DNA repair: The collection of processes by which a cell identifies and corrects damage to the DNA molecules that encode its genome.
- Phosphodiester bond: The type of covalent bond that holds together the polynucleotide chains with a phosphate group linking the 3' carbon of one nucleotide to the 5' carbon of the next.
- Ligation: The process of joining two DNA fragments together.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on DNA ligase
- Wikipedia's article - DNA ligase
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