MICROSATELLITE MARKERS Meaning and
Definition
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Microsatellite markers, also known as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), are repetitive DNA sequences found within the genome of an organism. They are composed of short sequences of nucleotides, typically two to six base pairs in length, repeated in tandem arrays. These markers are widely used in various fields of genetic research and analysis, such as population genetics, molecular ecology, and forensic science.
Microsatellite markers are highly polymorphic, meaning they exhibit allelic variation in the number of repeats for a particular microsatellite locus among individuals of the same species. The variability in these markers arises due to the high mutation rate at and flanking these repetitive sequences. This makes microsatellites ideal tools for assessing genetic diversity, studying phylogenetic relationships, and investigating population structure.
The analysis of microsatellite markers involves PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-based techniques to amplify the specific microsatellite loci of interest from the genomic DNA of individuals. The resulting PCR products are then separated or genotyped by techniques like gel electrophoresis or capillary electrophoresis, allowing the identification and quantification of different alleles within a population.
Due to their abundance, co-dominant inheritance, and high level of polymorphism, microsatellite markers have become powerful tools in many genetic studies. They provide valuable insights into the genetic structure, demographic history, and gene flow within populations, aiding in conservation efforts, breeding programs, and forensic investigations.
Common Misspellings for MICROSATELLITE MARKERS
- nicrosatellite markers
- kicrosatellite markers
- jicrosatellite markers
- mucrosatellite markers
- mjcrosatellite markers
- mkcrosatellite markers
- mocrosatellite markers
- m9crosatellite markers
- m8crosatellite markers
- mixrosatellite markers
- mivrosatellite markers
- mifrosatellite markers
- midrosatellite markers
- miceosatellite markers
- micdosatellite markers
- micfosatellite markers
- mictosatellite markers
- mic5osatellite markers
- mic4osatellite markers
- micrisatellite markers
Etymology of MICROSATELLITE MARKERS
The etymology of the term "microsatellite markers" can be broken down as follows:
1. Micro:
- The prefix "micro-" comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning small or minute.
- It is used in scientific terminology to refer to something that is extremely small or at a microscopic level.
2. Satellite:
- The term "satellite" in genetics refers to repetitive DNA sequences.
- These sequences are called "satellites" because they were originally discovered in the 1960s as small bands separate from the main band in DNA experiments, resembling satellites around a planet.
3. Marker:
- In genetics, a marker is a specific genetic variant or DNA sequence used to identify or track certain traits or characteristics.
- Markers are often used to track the inheritance of genes or to study genetic relationships between individuals or populations.
