MICROSATELLITE MARKER Meaning and
Definition
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Microsatellite markers, also known as Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs), are segments of DNA composed of short, repeating nucleotide sequences. These markers are commonly utilized in genetic research to detect genetic variations or differences within and among populations.
Microsatellites typically consist of repeated sequences of two to six base pairs, which are tandemly repeated many times. The number of repeats in a microsatellite can vary from person to person or from one individual of a species to another, resulting in different allele lengths. These variations in allele lengths are the basis for using microsatellite markers in population genetics and genetic mapping studies.
To identify microsatellite markers, specialized molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are commonly employed. By designing PCR primers that selectively bind to flank regions near the repeat sequence, researchers can amplify the microsatellite region of interest. The resulting PCR products are then analyzed to determine the sizes of the alleles present.
Microsatellite markers have numerous applications in different fields of biology and genetics. They can be used to study genetic diversity, population structure, gene flow, paternity analysis, and individual identification, among others. Additionally, microsatellite markers are useful genetic tools for disease gene mapping, molecular breeding, evolutionary studies, and forensics. Due to their high polymorphism and co-dominant inheritance, microsatellites have become an indispensable tool in many areas of genetics and genomics research.
Common Misspellings for MICROSATELLITE MARKER
- nicrosatellite marker
- kicrosatellite marker
- jicrosatellite marker
- mucrosatellite marker
- mjcrosatellite marker
- mkcrosatellite marker
- mocrosatellite marker
- m9crosatellite marker
- m8crosatellite marker
- mixrosatellite marker
- mivrosatellite marker
- mifrosatellite marker
- midrosatellite marker
- miceosatellite marker
- micdosatellite marker
- micfosatellite marker
- mictosatellite marker
- mic5osatellite marker
- mic4osatellite marker
- micrisatellite marker
Etymology of MICROSATELLITE MARKER
The word "Microsatellite" originates from the combination of two terms - "micro" and "satellite". "Micro" derives from the Greek word "mikros", meaning small or tiny. "Satellite" comes from Latin, derived from the word "satelles", which means an attendant or body that revolves around another.
The term "Microsatellite" was first used to describe a type of satellite in space that is relatively small, typically weighing less than 1000 kilograms. Just as these satellites orbit around a larger body, in genetics, microsatellites are small repetitive segments of DNA that revolve around the larger genome in an organism.
The term "Marker" refers to a specific location on a chromosome where a certain trait or gene of interest can be identified. In genetics, "markers" are used to track and study genetic variations and traits in populations.
