INSERTIONAL INACTIVATION Meaning and
Definition
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Insertional inactivation refers to the process by which a foreign DNA sequence is integrated or inserted into a specific site within the genome of an organism, resulting in the disruption or inactivation of the function of a target gene. This method is commonly employed in genetic engineering and molecular biology research to investigate the function of specific genes or to manipulate the genetic composition of an organism.
The process of insertional inactivation typically involves the introduction of a DNA fragment, such as a DNA plasmid or a viral vector, into the organism's genome. This fragment contains a selectable marker, such as an antibiotic resistance gene, which allows for the identification and selection of cells that have successfully taken up the foreign DNA.
Once integrated, the foreign DNA disrupts the function of the target gene by either interrupting its reading frame, interfering with its expression, or preventing the production of a functional protein. As a result, the target gene is rendered non-functional or "inactivated."
Insertional inactivation has proved to be a valuable tool for studying gene function, as it allows researchers to determine the phenotypic effects of removing or inactivating a specific gene. It is commonly used in genetic studies involving bacteria, yeast, and other model organisms, as well as in the development of genetically modified organisms for various applications, such as biotechnology and agriculture.
Common Misspellings for INSERTIONAL INACTIVATION
- unsertional inactivation
- jnsertional inactivation
- knsertional inactivation
- onsertional inactivation
- 9nsertional inactivation
- 8nsertional inactivation
- ibsertional inactivation
- imsertional inactivation
- ijsertional inactivation
- ihsertional inactivation
- inaertional inactivation
- inzertional inactivation
- inxertional inactivation
- indertional inactivation
- ineertional inactivation
- inwertional inactivation
- inswrtional inactivation
- inssrtional inactivation
- insdrtional inactivation
- insrrtional inactivation
Etymology of INSERTIONAL INACTIVATION
The word "insertional inactivation" is a scientific term that combines two words: "insertional" and "inactivation".
1. "Insertional" refers to the act of inserting or introducing something into something else. In this context, it refers to the insertion of a foreign DNA segment into a specific gene or region of a genome.
2. "Inactivation" refers to the process of rendering something inactive or non-functional. In molecular biology and genetics, it often specifically refers to the disruption or inactivation of a gene's function.
Therefore, "insertional inactivation" combines these two concepts to describe the process of inactivating a specific gene or region of a genome by inserting a foreign DNA segment into it. The word's etymology can thus be traced back to these two combining terms rather than having a specific historical origin.
