polymerases

Nucleotide string assemblers

Polymerases are enzymes that assemble long molecular chains from smaller building blocks.

DNA polymerase copies genetic material during cell division; RNA polymerase transcribes DNA into RNA for protein synthesis.

These enzymes are fundamental to all life—without them, genetic information couldn't be replicated or expressed.

PCR uses a heat-stable polymerase to amplify DNA samples.

replication

DNA replication

Duplicating genetic material

transcriptionWritten version of speech
primerPreparatory coat or guide
templatePreset pattern for reproduction

nucleotides · elongation · fidelity · proofreading · Okazaki fragments · synthesis · base pairing · origin · termination · bidirectional

biotechnology

PCR

DNA amplification technique

amplificationIncrease in intensity
sequencingDetermining element order
cloningMaking identical copies

hot start · error rate · LAMP · rolling circle · genotyping · diagnostics · forensics · gene expression · molecular biology

types

telomerase

Chromosome-tip lengthening enzyme

thermostableUnaffected by high temperatures
prokaryoticLacking membrane-enclosed organelles
eukaryoticHaving organized nuclear membrane

medical

antiviral drugs

Medications combating viral infections

remdesivirAntiviral medication for COVID-19
acyclovirAntiviral herpes medication
viral replicationPathogen self-copying process

hepatitis · inhibitors · cancer therapy · mutagenesis · carcinogenesis · aging · AZT

structure

active site

Enzyme region binding substrates

fingersAppendages of the hand
palmHand's flat interior
thumbShort opposable digit

subunits · clamp · crystal structure

Opposites

molecular function

polymerasesCRISPR-Cas9

Targeted genome modification technology

molecular assembly vs. disassembly

polymerasesDicer

RNA-cleaving endonuclease

Phrases

DNA polymeraseEnzyme that copies chromosomes
Taq polymeraseHeat-resistant replication enzyme

Family

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