Mung bean nuclease is a nuclease derived from sprouts of the mung bean that removes nucleotides from single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and RNA. The enzyme degrades single-stranded DNA or RNA to nucleoside 5′-monophosphates, but does not digest double-stranded DNA, double-stranded RNA, or DNA/RNA hybrids. Removes protruding ends in duplex DNA resulting in ligatable blunt ends. Digests hairpin structures during cDNA synthesis. Requires Zn²⁺ ions for activity.