How Do You Spell EXPRESSED SEQUENCE TAGS?
Pronunciation: [ɛkspɹˈɛst sˈiːkwəns tˈaɡz] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [ɛkspɹˈɛst sˈiːkwəns tˈaɡz] (IPA)
Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) are short nucleotide sequences that are derived from the expressed genes of an organism, providing a snapshot of the transcribed portions of its genome. These sequences represent the regions of DNA that are actively being transcribed and ultimately translated into proteins.
ESTs are generated by the process of cDNA (complementary DNA) sequencing. This involves synthesizing short complimentary DNA strands using the messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules as templates, which are single-stranded copies of the DNA sequence that encode proteins. By sequencing multiple cDNA clones, researchers can obtain a collection of ESTs that represent a fraction of the genes expressed in a particular tissue or organism.
ESTs have been extensively used in genomics and functional genomics research. They provide valuable information about the coding regions of genes, including the identity of the genes themselves and their alternative splicing variants. ESTs have also played an important role in comparative genomics studies, as they allow for the identification and comparison of genes across different species. Additionally, ESTs have facilitated the discovery of new genes in the absence of a complete genome sequence, providing insights into the genetic makeup of various organisms.
Overall, ESTs have become a powerful tool in molecular biology, providing researchers with a means to explore the expressed genes of an organism and unravel the complexities of gene expression and regulation.
