Ligace

Ligace is a term that can refer to several related concepts, primarily in biology and surgery. In a biological context, ligase is an enzyme that joins two molecules together. This process typically involves the formation of a new chemical bond. For example, DNA ligase is crucial for DNA replication and repair, as it catalyzes the formation of phosphodiester bonds between adjacent nucleotides in a DNA strand. Similarly, RNA ligases join RNA fragments.

In surgery, ligace refers to the act of tying off a blood vessel or duct to prevent bleeding or leakage. This is commonly done using a surgical tie or ligature, which is a thread or suture material. The goal is to occlude the vessel or duct to control hemorrhage or to isolate a structure during an operation. The term can also be used for the ligature material itself, such as silk or synthetic polymers, that is used to tie off the vessel. The procedure of ligace is a fundamental technique in many surgical disciplines, ensuring patient safety and facilitating complex procedures.