polymerase
/ˈpɑlɪməˌreɪs/
noun
- An enzyme that helps build long chains of nucleic acids (like DNA or RNA) by linking smaller molecules together.
- DNA polymerase is essential for copying genetic material during cell division.
- Scientists use a special polymerase in the lab to amplify small DNA samples.
- Mutations in the gene for RNA polymerase can affect how cells produce proteins.