Gyrase meaning

Gyrase is an enzyme that controls DNA supercoiling during replication and transcription.


Gyrase definitions

Word backwards esaryg
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division gy-rase
Plural The plural of the word gyrase is gyrases.
Total letters 6
Vogais (2) a,e
Consonants (4) g,y,r,s

Gyrase is an essential enzyme that plays a crucial role in DNA replication and transcription processes in bacteria. It is responsible for introducing negative supercoils into the DNA molecule, which helps in the packing of DNA within the bacterial cell.

Gyrase is a type II topoisomerase enzyme that is essential for the survival of bacteria. It is a validated target for antibacterial drugs as inhibiting the activity of gyrase can disrupt the DNA replication process in bacteria, leading to cell death.

Structure of Gyrase

The structure of gyrase consists of two subunits, GyrA, and GyrB, which form a complex that is responsible for its enzymatic activity. GyrA subunit contains the DNA binding site and catalyzes the DNA cleavage and rejoining reactions, while GyrB subunit possesses ATPase activity that provides energy for the supercoiling process.

Mechanism of Action

During DNA replication and transcription, gyrase introduces negative supercoils into the DNA double helix by breaking the phosphate backbone of the DNA strands. It then passes another segment of the DNA through the break before resealing the DNA strands, resulting in the introduction of negative supercoils.

Inhibition of Gyrase

Some antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, target gyrase and inhibit its activity. These antibiotics bind to the gyrase-DNA complex and prevent the resealing of the DNA strands, leading to DNA damage and bacterial cell death. This mechanism makes gyrase an attractive target for antibacterial drug development.

In conclusion, gyrase is a vital enzyme in bacteria that is involved in DNA replication and transcription. Understanding the structure and mechanism of action of gyrase has paved the way for the development of antibiotics that target this enzyme, offering new treatment options for bacterial infections.


Gyrase Examples

  1. The gyrase enzyme is responsible for the unwinding of DNA during replication.
  2. Scientists are studying the mechanism of action of gyrase inhibitors for potential antibiotic development.
  3. Mutations in the gyrase gene can lead to drug resistance in bacteria.
  4. Gyrase activity is essential for the survival of bacteria.
  5. Inhibiting gyrase can stop DNA replication in bacteria.
  6. The gyrase enzyme is a target for drug discovery in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
  7. Some antibiotics work by targeting the gyrase enzyme in bacterial cells.
  8. Understanding the structure of gyrase has important implications for drug design.
  9. The gyrase enzyme plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of bacterial DNA.
  10. Researchers are investigating novel ways to inhibit gyrase for the treatment of bacterial infections.


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  • Updated 14/05/2024 - 07:21:14