EXPRESSED GENE Meaning and
Definition
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An expressed gene is a segment of DNA that has been transcribed into RNA and subsequently translated into a functional protein. In essence, it refers to a gene that is actively being used by a cell to synthesize a specific protein product.
The process of gene expression involves multiple steps. Initially, the DNA sequence of a gene is transcribed into a complementary RNA molecule by an enzyme called RNA polymerase. This newly synthesized RNA, known as messenger RNA (mRNA), carries the information encoded in the DNA to the ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. At the ribosomes, the mRNA is translated into a chain of amino acids according to the genetic code. This chain of amino acids then folds and interacts to form a functional protein, which contributes to various biological processes within the cell.
The term "expressed gene" is often used in the context of comparing gene expression levels between different cells, tissues, or organisms. It indicates that a particular gene is actively producing mRNA, which can be quantified to assess the level of gene activity or the amount of protein being produced. This information is crucial for understanding how genes play roles in different biological processes and discovering potential therapeutic targets or diagnostic markers associated with specific diseases.
Common Misspellings for EXPRESSED GENE
- wxpressed gene
- sxpressed gene
- dxpressed gene
- rxpressed gene
- 4xpressed gene
- 3xpressed gene
- ezpressed gene
- ecpressed gene
- edpressed gene
- espressed gene
- exoressed gene
- exlressed gene
- ex0ressed gene
- expeessed gene
- expdessed gene
- expfessed gene
- exptessed gene
- exp5essed gene
- exp4essed gene
- exprwssed gene
Etymology of EXPRESSED GENE
The word "expressed gene" is formed by combining the words "expressed" and "gene". Here is a breakdown of the etymology of each component:
1. Expressed: The word "expressed" is the past participle of the verb "express". Its origin can be traced back to the Latin word "exprimere", which means "to press out" or "to squeeze out". In English, "express" refers to conveying or showing something clearly or explicitly.
2. Gene: The word "gene" has its roots in the science of genetics. It was coined by Danish botanist and geneticist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909. The term was derived from the German word "Gen", coined by the scientist Hugo de Vries in 1905, which in turn stems from the Greek word "genos", meaning "race" or "offspring".
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