processive Meaning, Definition & Usage
Pro*ces"sive adjective
Definitions
Proceeding; advancing. Because it is language, -- ergo, processive. Coleridge.
(Biochemistry) acting from one end of a polymer, and continuing to act on the same polymer, rather than detaching and re-binding randomly to other molecules. Said of polymerases or hydrolytic enzymes. Opposed to "distributive". Colloquially, (laboratory slang) processive and distributive enzymes may be referred to as "clingers" and "hoppers", respectively.
