exonuclease
/ˌɛksoʊˈnukliˌeɪz/
noun
- An enzyme that breaks down DNA or RNA by removing nucleotides from the ends of the molecule.
- Some viruses produce their own exonuclease to help them replicate inside a host cell.
- In the lab, scientists used exonuclease to trim the DNA strand for their experiment.
- Exonuclease helps cells recycle old or damaged DNA by chopping off pieces from the ends.