'ligase' definitions:
Definition of 'ligase'
From: GCIDE
- ligase \ligase\ n. (Biochem.) An enzyme which catalyzes creation of a covalent bond between two substrates, resulting in a larger product which is a combination of the two starting materials; especially, {DNA ligase}, an enzyme which creates a phosphate bond between 5' and 3' ends of a DNA chain, resulting in a longer chain of DNA. DNA ligase is important in normal biosynthesis of DNA in the replication cycle of cells. [PJC]