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luciferase
noun
lu·cif·er·ase
lü-ˈsi-fə-ˌrās
-ˌrāz
: an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin
Examples of luciferase in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One main component involved in producing light in corals and other animals is an enzyme called luciferase.
—Discover Magazine, 19 June 2024
Bioluminescence is believed to have evolved nearly 100 times across history, caused by a simple chemical reaction, when a light-producing molecule called a luciferin reacts with an enzyme called luciferase.
—Sam Jones, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024
Just as in all bioluminescent organisms, the enzyme luciferase interacts with the compound luciferin to create light among the octocorals.
—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2024
The process requires not only the synthesis of specialized chemicals like luciferin and luciferase but also the energy to fuel the light-producing reaction.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Luciferase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luciferase. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
luciferase
noun
lu·cif·er·ase
lü-ˈsif-ə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz
: an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin
More from Merriam-Webster on luciferase
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about luciferase
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