noun
ligation
Joining molecular fragments, especially DNA, by forming a chemical bond.
DNA ligation joins two fragments by forming a chemical bond.
Etymology
Latin ligare means to bind or tie. Molecular biology applies that joining image to connecting fragments, especially DNA, through a chemical bond.
More examples
- The researchers use ligation to insert the gene into a plasmid.
- We compare several ligations to find the best reaction conditions.
- Ligation of these RNA fragments requires a suitable enzyme.
Forms
ligation · ligations
ligate verb — Join molecular fragments by forming chemical bonds.
ligase noun — Enzyme that forms bonds between molecular fragments.