helicase

[ hel-i-keys, hee-li‑ ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of the enzymes that use the energy derived from the hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates to unwind the double-stranded helical structure of nucleic acids:

   RNA and DNA helicases.

Word History and Origins

Origin of helicase¹

helic- + -ase

Example Sentences

It would be difficult to create safe drugs that target the domains of the enzyme needed for protease or helicase functions, as human cells have many similar molecules.

From Science Daily

When an infected cell makes a new piece of the virus’s RNA, for example, a viral protein called a helicase has to unwind it before it can be packaged into a new virus shell.

From New York Times

Researchers are investigating drugs that block the coronavirus helicase, leaving the virus’s genes in a tangled mess.

From New York Times

One gene identified is Werner syndrome RecQ helicase, which researchers found was essential for keeping alive some of the most unstable cancers but which cannot currently be targeted.

From The Guardian

Further studies might enable the development of potent and specific WRN helicase inhibitors that could be tested in cancers that have MSI.

From Nature