FOLDBACK DNA Meaning and
Definition
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Foldback DNA refers to a specific type of DNA structure that is characterized by the folding back of a DNA segment onto itself, resulting in the formation of a hairpin-like structure. This phenomenon typically occurs during DNA replication or repair processes.
In foldback DNA, a segment of the DNA molecule is inverted and forms a loop structure where the two ends of the segment are base-paired together. This looped region is thus inverted or "folded back" onto the remaining DNA molecule, resembling a hairpin shape. It is worth noting that this folding is typically stabilized by hydrogen bonding between complementary nucleotide base pairs.
Foldback DNA structures can have important implications in various cellular processes. For instance, during DNA replication, foldback structures can lead to DNA deletions or rearrangements. Additionally, they can serve as substrates for DNA repair and recombination events. This can result in the formation of specific DNA sequences with potentially altered functions or genomic rearrangements.
Foldback DNA structures have been extensively studied in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and their occurrence and significance in various genetic processes are well-documented. Techniques such as DNA cloning and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have been used to analyze and manipulate foldback DNA structures in the laboratory. Overall, understanding the characteristics and consequences of foldback DNA contributes to our knowledge of DNA replication, repair, and genetic variation.
Common Misspellings for FOLDBACK DNA
- doldback dna
- coldback dna
- voldback dna
- goldback dna
- toldback dna
- roldback dna
- fildback dna
- fkldback dna
- flldback dna
- fpldback dna
- f0ldback dna
- f9ldback dna
- fokdback dna
- fopdback dna
- foodback dna
- folsback dna
- folxback dna
- folcback dna
- folfback dna
- folrback dna
Etymology of FOLDBACK DNA
The term "foldback DNA" does not have a specific etymology as it is a compound term made up of two separate words: "foldback" and "DNA".
The word "foldback" refers to something that is folded or bent back upon itself. It is a compound of "fold" and "back", where "fold" means to bend or crease, and "back" indicates a direction opposite to the front.
The term "DNA" stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, which is a molecule that carries genetic information in most living organisms. The abbreviation DNA was coined in 1944 by a group of scientists led by Oswald Theodore Avery and has since become widely used.
Therefore, when we combine "foldback" and "DNA", "foldback DNA" refers to a specific conformation or structure of DNA molecules where one part folds or bends back on itself.
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