endonuclease

[ en-doh-noo-klee-eys, -eyz, -nyoo- ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of a group of enzymes that degrade DNA or RNA molecules by breaking linkages within the polynucleotide chains.

endonuclease

/ ˌɛndəʊˈnjuːklɪˌeɪz /

noun

1. an enzyme that is responsible for scission of a nucleic acid chain, the action of which is not confined to the terminal nucleotide Compare exonuclease

Word History and Origins

Origin of endonuclease¹

First recorded in 1960–65; endo- + nuclease