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Glite Dictionary
ribonucleinase

ribonucleinase

9.9
A protein in cells that breaks down RNA, the cell's genetic material
  • noun
  • /ˌraɪboʊnjuˈkliːneɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ribonucleasa
  • The activity of ribonucleinase is crucial for the breakdown of RNA in cells.

Examples

  • The ribonucleinase enzyme plays a crucial role in RNA metabolism.

  • Researchers measured the levels of ribonucleinase during the experiment.

  • A deficiency in ribonucleinase can disrupt normal RNA metabolism.

  • The activity of ribonucleinase is crucial for the breakdown of RNA in cells.

  • Researchers discovered a new type of ribonucleinase in the lab.

  • A deficiency in ribonucleinase can disrupt normal RNA metabolism.

  • Researchers measured the levels of ribonucleinase during the experiment.

Synonyms

RNase
vsribonucleinase
  • Slang
1 9.1

A protein that breaks the RNA in cells into small pieces

is the full scientific term rather than the short abbreviation
ribonuclease
vsribonucleinase
  • Specialized
9.4

A protein that breaks RNA into smaller pieces

uses a more technical term for the same enzymatic action

Surface Forms

ribonucleinase singular
ribonucleinases plural

Morphology

ribonucleinase = ribonucleic (semi-transparent) = ribo + nuclein + ase

The suffix '-ase' indicates an enzyme, but 'ribonucleic' is a specialized term that may not be familiar to all learners.

Etymology

Ribonucleinase breaks into three parts: ribo- ('a sugar in RNA'), nuclein- (from nucleus, meaning 'center' of a cell), and -ase (a common ending for enzymes). So, ribonucleinase is an enzyme that 'breaks down' RNA, which explains its modern meaning.