COPY NUMBER Meaning and
Definition
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Copy number refers to the number of times a specific DNA sequence or gene is present in the genome of an individual or organism. It represents the quantity of copies of a particular genomic segment or gene that exists within the genome. The copy number is determined by the presence of DNA duplications or deletions in the genome, resulting in variations in the number of copies of a specific sequence.
In genetics, copy number variations (CNVs) describe the differences in copy number among individuals in a population or between different species. CNVs are known to contribute to genetic diversity and can have significant implications for normal physiological processes as well as disease susceptibility.
Copy number analysis is a commonly used technique in molecular biology to investigate and understand the genetic basis of various traits and diseases. It involves measuring the relative abundance of specific DNA segments or genes in an individual's genome. This can be achieved through various methods such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.
Copy number alterations may result in changes in gene dosage, which can have a profound impact on gene expression and the phenotype of an individual. Abnormal copy number variations have been implicated in a wide range of human diseases, including cancer, autism, and developmental disorders.
Understanding the copy number variability within a genome is crucial for unraveling the complexity of genetic and phenotypic diversity, as well as for furthering our knowledge of normal biological processes and disease mechanisms.
Common Misspellings for COPY NUMBER
- xopy number
- vopy number
- fopy number
- dopy number
- cipy number
- ckpy number
- clpy number
- cppy number
- c0py number
- c9py number
- cooy number
- coly number
- co0y number
- copt number
- copg number
- coph number
- copu number
- cop7 number
- cop6 number
- copy bumber
Etymology of COPY NUMBER
The word "copy number" is composed of two separate terms: "copy" and "number".
The term "copy" originated from the Old French word "copie", which was derived from the Latin word "copia" meaning "abundance" or "plenty". Over time, "copy" came to have various meanings, including "reproduction", "duplicate", or "an imitation".
The term "number" comes from the Latin word "numerus", which refers to a mathematical value or quantity.
Therefore, "copy number" is a combination of these two terms, indicating the abundance or quantity of reproductions or duplicates of a specific genetic sequence in the genome of an organism. This term is frequently used in molecular biology and genetics to describe the number of copies of a particular gene or DNA segment.
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