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processive

processive

9.6
Continuing many steps without letting go of what it works on
  • adjective
  • /ˈprɒsɛsɪv/
  • Specialized
translation icon : procesivo
  • The enzyme acts in a processive manner, catalyzing multiple reactions without releasing its substrate.

Examples

  • The kinesin is highly processive—that is, it takes many steps before detaching from its microtubule track.

    Academic text (2006)

  • This suggests that R-loops are more broadly involved in the control of the processive stage of transcription elongation.

    Academic text (2018)

  • During the processive phase of DNA replication, the polymerase enzyme adds nucleotides continuously.

  • Kinesin's processive behavior allows it to transport cellular cargo effectively along microtubules.

How Processive

processive
  • Specialized
9.6
distributive
2 7.0

Surface Forms

processive positive

Morphology

processive = process (semi-transparent) = process + ive

Form is clearly 'process' + '-ive', but the enzymatic sense is a specialized technical extension not inferable by general learners.

Etymology

Processive comes from process, which has the parts pro- 'forward' and ced/ceed 'go', like in proceed. Imagine an enzyme that keeps going forward along DNA and does many steps without letting go of the thing it works on, so 'processive' means it continues many steps without stopping.