MICRONUCLEUS ASSAY Meaning and
Definition
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The Micronucleus Assay is a well-established scientific technique used in genotoxicity testing to evaluate the potential damage caused to the genetic material (DNA) in cells. It is primarily used to detect DNA damage or chromosome breakage that can result from exposure to potentially harmful substances such as radiation or chemical compounds.
In this assay, cells are treated with the substance under investigation, and after a certain period of time, the cells are fixed, stained, and examined microscopically. The goal is to identify the presence of micronuclei, which are small additional nuclei formed from fragments of chromosomes or whole chromosomes that were left out during cell division. These micronuclei indicate DNA damage or chromosome breakage, as they represent genetic material that was not properly incorporated into the daughter cells.
The presence of micronuclei is commonly scored in specific types of cells, such as peripheral blood lymphocytes. The number of micronuclei observed is then quantified, typically by assessing a minimum of 1,000 cells under the microscope. This scoring allows researchers to determine the extent of genotoxicity induced by the tested substance.
The Micronucleus Assay is considered to be a reliable and sensitive test for genotoxic potential, as it can detect both clastogenic (chromosome-breaking) and aneugenic (chromosome loss) effects. It is widely used in toxicology, environmental research, and pharmaceutical industries to assess the safety of chemicals and evaluate potential health risks associated with exposure to genotoxic agents.
Common Misspellings for MICRONUCLEUS ASSAY
- nicronucleus assay
- kicronucleus assay
- jicronucleus assay
- mucronucleus assay
- mjcronucleus assay
- mkcronucleus assay
- mocronucleus assay
- m9cronucleus assay
- m8cronucleus assay
- mixronucleus assay
- mivronucleus assay
- mifronucleus assay
- midronucleus assay
- miceonucleus assay
- micdonucleus assay
- micfonucleus assay
- mictonucleus assay
- mic5onucleus assay
- mic4onucleus assay
- micrinucleus assay
Etymology of MICRONUCLEUS ASSAY
The etymology of the term "Micronucleus Assay" can be understood by examining the origins of its constituent parts.
1. Micronucleus: The word "micronucleus" is formed by combining two Greek roots: "μικρός" (mikrós), meaning "small", and "νúκλεος" (núkleos), meaning "nucleus". In biology, a micronucleus refers to a small nucleus-like structure that occurs in certain cells, especially during cell division.
2. Assay: The term "assay" originates from the Old French word "assai", which means "test" or "trial". It ultimately derives from the Latin word "exagium", meaning "weighing" or "examination".
