Ligase vs. Lyase — What's the Difference?

In biochemistry, a ligase is an enzyme that can catalyze the joining (ligation) of two large molecules by forming a new chemical bond. This is typically via hydrolysis of a small pendant chemical group on one of the larger molecules or the enzyme catalyzing the linking together of two compounds, e.g., enzymes that catalyze joining of C-O, C-S, C-N, etc.

In biochemistry, a lyase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breaking (an "elimination" reaction) of various chemical bonds by means other than hydrolysis (a "substitution" reaction) and oxidation, often forming a new double bond or a new ring structure. The reverse reaction is also possible (called a "Michael addition").

Any of a class of enzymes that catalyze the linkage of two large molecules.

An enzyme which catalyses the joining of specified molecules or groups by a double bond.

(enzyme) Any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the binding of two molecules; synthetase.

Any of a class of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of bonds without hydrolysis or oxidation, often resulting in a new double bond or ring structure, or that catalyze the addition of chemical groups to double bonds.

An enzyme which catalyzes creation of a covalent bond between two substrates, resulting in a larger product which is a combination of the two starting materials; especially, DNA ligase, an enzyme which creates a phosphate bond between 5´ and 3´ ends of a DNA chain, resulting in a longer chain of DNA. DNA ligase is important in normal biosynthesis of DNA in the replication cycle of cells.

(enzyme) Any of many classes of enzyme that catalyze the breaking of a specific form of bond