How Do You Spell APTAMER?

Pronunciation: [ˈapte͡ɪmə] (IPA)

The word "aptamer" is typically spelled with four letters: A-P-T-A-M-E-R. However, the spelling of this word can be better understood when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. Using IPA, "aptamer" is pronounced /ˈæptəmər/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The IPA transcription helps us understand that the "p" in "aptamer" is pronounced softly, similar to a "b" sound in some accents. This unique spelling and pronunciation are important to understand when working with aptamers.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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APTAMER Meaning and Definition

  1. An aptamer refers to a short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecule that demonstrates a high binding affinity and selectivity towards a specific target, such as a protein, small molecule, or even a complex cellular structure. Aptamers are typically generated using a laboratory process called SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment), whereby a large pool of random nucleotide sequences is iteratively screened and amplified to identify the aptamers with the highest target affinity.

    These target-specific nucleic acids possess unique three-dimensional structures that enable them to bind to their targets in a manner similar to antibodies, yet without the need for complex cell-based systems. The ability of aptamers to precisely recognize and bind to their targets with high affinity has led to their extensive use in various scientific and technological applications. For example, aptamers can be utilized as diagnostic, therapeutic, or analytical tools in fields like molecular biology, biotechnology, and medicine.

    The versatility of aptamers lies in their ease of design, synthesis, and modification, which allows for tailoring their properties to specific applications. Their stability, reproducibility, low immunogenicity, and cost-effectiveness make them attractive alternatives to traditional affinity reagents, such as antibodies. Aptamers have also shown potential in drug delivery systems, where they can be used as carriers for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.

    Overall, aptamers hold great promise as a versatile class of biomolecules with wide-ranging applications in various scientific disciplines.

Etymology of APTAMER

The word "aptamer" was coined by two scientists, Alex Gold and Jack Szostak, in 1990. It is derived from the combination of two words: "aptus" (Latin for "to fit" or "appropriate") and "mer" (short for "polymer"). The term was created to describe single-stranded nucleic acids or peptides that are structured to specifically bind and interact with target molecules. Thus, "aptamer" refers to a polymer that is specifically fitted or appropriate for binding to a particular target.