Dictionary > Nick

Nick

Definition
noun, plural: nicks
(molecular biology) A cut or a notch in a DNA molecule due to a break in one phosphodiester bond between adjacent nucleotides of one of the two strands, often caused by an enzymatic action
(general) A small cut, dent, chip, notch, or groove
verb
To make a small cut, notch, dent, groove, or chip
Supplement
The term nick in general usage refers to a small cut, dent, chip, notch, or groove. In molecular biology, a nick is a notch or a dent in the double-stranded DNA molecule. The nick is due to the loss of one phosphodiester bond between adjacent nucleotides of one of the two strands. This is often caused by the action of a particular enzyme.
A nick forms to allow the release of torsion in the DNA strand. For instance, a plasmid that is tightly wound into a negative supercoil needs to release the torsional energy through nick formation. This causes the negative supercoil to unwind gradually until it forms into a circular shape.1
A nick may also form as a result of DNA damage. Nicking DNA may also be initiated purposely, i.e. by physical shearing, over-drying of DNA, or by administering certain enzymes (e.g. nicking endonucleases).
Ligases can repair DNA nicks by joining the 3′ hydroxyl and 5′ phosphate ends to form a phosphodiester bond.
Related term(s):

  • Nick translation

Reference(s):

1 Chao, J., Zhang, L., and Wang, P. (2015). “Configuration Transitions of Free Circular DNA System Induced by Nicks”. Journal of Nanomaterials. doi:10.1155/2015/546851


You will also like...

New Zealand Fauna
New Zealand’s Unique Fauna

Meet some of New Zealand's unique fauna, including endemic insects, frogs, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and investigate..

Crossing Over and Genetic Diversity
Inheritance and Probability

Gregor Mendel, an Austrian monk, is most famous in this field for his study of the phenotype of pea plants, including ..

Principles of Hormonal Control Systems
Principles of Hormonal Control Systems

Hormones are essential in the regulation of the activity of the various biological systems of the human body. The ineffi..

Human Neurology
Human Neurology

Human Neurology deals essentially with the nervous system of humans. It also features the various theories put forward b..

Bryophytes
Bryophytes

Bryophytes (nonvascular plants) are a plant group characterized by lacking vascular tissues. They include the mosses, th..

Homeostasis by water regulation
Homeostasis of Organism Water Regulation

Osmoregulation is the regulation of water concentrations in the bloodstream, effectively controlling the amount of water..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics