RNA APTAMER Meaning and
Definition
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An RNA aptamer is a short, single-stranded RNA molecule that is specifically designed to bind to a target molecule with high affinity and specificity. Also known as RNA ligands, these aptamers are generated through a process called systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX).
The SELEX process begins with a diverse pool of random RNA sequences, typically consisting of billions or even trillions of different sequences. This RNA pool is then subjected to iterative rounds of selection, where the pool is exposed to the target molecule and the sequences that bind with the highest affinity are isolated and amplified. This process is repeated several times to enrich for the sequences that exhibit the desired binding properties.
Once the aptamers are obtained, they can be further optimized through various techniques, such as truncation, modification, or mutagenesis, to enhance their binding affinity or stability. The resulting RNA aptamer can have a three-dimensional structure that enables it to form intricate interactions with its target molecule, resembling the lock-and-key mechanism seen in protein-ligand interactions.
RNA aptamers have diverse applications in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. They can be used as molecular probes to detect and quantify specific molecules in complex samples, such as proteins, nucleic acids, small molecules, or even whole cells. Additionally, aptamers can be developed as therapeutic agents by targeting disease-associated proteins or viral components, leading to the inhibition of their function or clearance from the body. The design flexibility and potential for high specificity make RNA aptamers valuable tools in various fields of biomedical research.
Common Misspellings for RNA APTAMER
- ena aptamer
- dna aptamer
- fna aptamer
- tna aptamer
- 5na aptamer
- 4na aptamer
- rba aptamer
- rma aptamer
- rja aptamer
- rha aptamer
- rnz aptamer
- rns aptamer
- rnw aptamer
- rnq aptamer
- rna zptamer
- rna sptamer
- rna wptamer
- rna qptamer
- rna aotamer
- rna altamer
Etymology of RNA APTAMER
The term "RNA aptamer" is derived from two different sources:
1. RNA: RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid, which is a biological molecule that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. The term RNA originates from the combination of the ribose sugar and nucleic acid components of the molecule.
2. Aptamer: The term "aptamer" is derived from two Latin words. "Aptus" means "to fit" or "to match", and "mer" means "a part of". Aptamers are specific nucleic acid or peptide molecules that can bind to specific targets, such as proteins, small molecules, or even whole cells.
When combined, "RNA aptamer" refers to a type of aptamer that is made up of RNA molecules specifically.
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