KDNA MINICIRCLES Meaning and
Definition
-
kDNA minicircles refer to small, circular DNA molecules found within the mitochondria of certain organisms, including some parasites. The term "kDNA" refers to kinetoplast DNA, which is a unique feature of the mitochondria in these organisms. kDNA minicircles are one of the two major types of DNA molecules found in the kinetoplast. The other type is known as kDNA maxicircles.
The kDNA minicircles are typically smaller in size, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand base pairs long. Unlike the kDNA maxicircles, which contain several genes involved in mitochondrial functions, the minicircles mostly encode short sequences of DNA known as guide RNAs (gRNAs), which play a crucial role in the editing of mitochondrial mRNA molecules.
The minicircles are present in high copy numbers, often reaching thousands per kinetoplast, and they form a complex network-like structure within the mitochondria. The gRNAs encoded by these minicircles function as templates for RNA editing machinery, targeting specific nucleotides in precursor mitochondrial mRNAs and modifying them by insertion and deletion of uridylate residues. This process is essential for ensuring proper expression and functionality of mitochondrial genes in these organisms.
Overall, kDNA minicircles serve a fundamental role in the post-transcriptional modification of mitochondrial mRNA in kinetoplastids and play a significant part in the unique biology of these organisms.
Common Misspellings for KDNA MINICIRCLES
- jdna minicircles
- mdna minicircles
- ldna minicircles
- odna minicircles
- idna minicircles
- ksna minicircles
- kxna minicircles
- kcna minicircles
- kfna minicircles
- krna minicircles
- kena minicircles
- kdba minicircles
- kdma minicircles
- kdja minicircles
- kdha minicircles
- kdnz minicircles
- kdns minicircles
- kdnw minicircles
- kdnq minicircles
- kdna ninicircles
Etymology of KDNA MINICIRCLES
The etymology of the term "kDNA Minicircles" can be broken down as follows:
1. kDNA: kDNA stands for kinetoplast DNA. The word "kinetoplast" is derived from the Greek words "kinetos" meaning "movable" or "mobile", and "plastos" meaning "formed" or "molded". Kinetoplast DNA is a network of interlocked circular DNA molecules found in the mitochondria of certain organisms, particularly flagellated protozoa.
2. Minicircles: The term "minicircles" is a combination of "mini", meaning small, and "circles", referring to the circular shape of the DNA molecules. It describes a specific type of circular DNA molecule that is smaller in size compared to other circular DNA forms, such as macros or maxi-circles.
