MICROINJECTION Meaning and
Definition
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Microinjection is a laboratory technique used to introduce genetic material or other substances into individual cells, particularly for the purpose of studying cellular processes or manipulating genetic traits. It involves the precise insertion of a minute amount of material into a cell using a fine micropipette that is capable of penetrating the cell membrane without causing significant damage.
In this technique, cells are typically examined under a microscope, and a small glass pipette with a diameter similar to that of a cell is filled with the desired substance. The pipette is carefully guided towards the target cell, and a controlled amount of the material is gently injected inside. The substance injected can vary depending on the purpose, and may include DNA, RNA, proteins, dyes, or other molecules necessary for cellular manipulation or analysis.
Microinjection is commonly used in fields such as genetics, developmental biology, and biotechnology. It allows researchers to introduce precise genetic modifications into cells, such as adding or deleting specific genes, in order to study their effects on cellular function or development. This technique is also vital in transgenic studies, where foreign genetic material is inserted into an organism to express specific traits or produce desired proteins.
Overall, microinjection plays a crucial role in studying cellular processes, understanding genetic mechanisms, and advancing biotechnological research. Its precision and control over cell manipulation make it an invaluable tool in modern scientific investigations.
Common Misspellings for MICROINJECTION
- nicroinjection
- kicroinjection
- jicroinjection
- mucroinjection
- mjcroinjection
- mkcroinjection
- mocroinjection
- m9croinjection
- m8croinjection
- mixroinjection
- mivroinjection
- mifroinjection
- midroinjection
- miceoinjection
- micdoinjection
- micfoinjection
- mictoinjection
- mic5oinjection
- mic4oinjection
- micriinjection
Etymology of MICROINJECTION
The word "microinjection" combines two roots: "micro-" and "injection".
1. "Micro-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "mikros", meaning small or tiny. It is often used to indicate something extremely small or a scale of measurement in the metric system (e.g., micrometer, microorganism).
2. "Injection" comes from the Latin word "injectio", which means a throwing in or injecting. It refers to the act of introducing a substance into something else using a needle or syringe.
So, when combined, "microinjection" refers to the process of injecting a minuscule amount of substance or introducing it into a very small subject or object. In scientific research, microinjection typically refers to the technique of delivering genetic material or other substances into cells or small organisms using a fine needle or other microscale apparatus.
