Ligated

Ligated is the past participle of ligate, meaning joined or bound by a ligature or by an enzyme that performs ligation. The term has medical and scientific uses, as well as general sense.

In surgery, ligation refers to tying off a blood vessel, duct, or other tubular structure with a ligature (thread) or with surgical clips to prevent bleeding or leakage. It is a common step in procedures to control hemorrhage, isolate tissues, or achieve sterilization, such as tubal ligation for permanent contraception. Ligation can use absorbable or non-absorbable materials, and while effective, it may carry risks such as infection, tissue ischemia from excessive constriction, unintended injury to nearby structures, or recanalization where the tied vessel reopens.

In molecular biology, ligation describes the joining of DNA fragments by DNA ligase to create a continuous molecule. This is essential in cloning, plasmid construction, and sequencing library preparation. Fragments may have cohesive (sticky) ends or blunt ends, and ligase forms the phosphodiester bonds that seal nicks in the backbone. The efficiency of ligation depends on end compatibility, fragment concentration, temperature, and reaction conditions. Ligation products are typically referred to as ligated fragments or recombinant DNA molecules.

General usage can describe anything bound or fastened by a ligature. The concept underpins both surgical practices and molecular techniques, reflecting the core idea of joining separate components into a single structure.