nick

nick

(nik),

In molecular biology, hydrolytic cleavage of a phosphodiester bond in one strand of a double-stranded polynucleic acid. Compare: cut.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

nick

Molecular biology
noun A single-strand break in a double-stranded nucleic acid, usually DNA, at which point either one or more nucleotides are absent or there is a break in the phosphodiester bond between two adjacent nucleotides on one strand of the nucleic acid (DNA) duplex. Nicked sites are characterised by increased mobility.

verb To effect a nick in a double-stranded nucleic acid (usually DNA).

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

nick

a single-stranded cut or break in a DNA molecule. Nicking of DNA may form part of a DNA repair mechanism, as occurs after damage caused by, for example, ultraviolet light.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005