TRANSFECTIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Transfections refer to the experimental process of introducing foreign nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, into living cells. This process involves artificially modifying the genetic makeup of the cells by introducing specific genetic material that is not naturally present. It is a common technique used in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetic research to manipulate gene expression, study gene function, and investigate cellular processes.
During transfections, the foreign nucleic acids are typically introduced into the target cells using various methods, including chemical or physical techniques. Chemical methods involve the use of reagents such as liposomes or calcium phosphate, which help deliver the genetic material into the cells. Physical methods, on the other hand, involve physical means like electroporation, where an electrical field is applied to create temporary pores in the cell membrane, allowing the entry of the nucleic acids.
After the transfection process, the genetic material is integrated into the cellular DNA or may remain as extrachromosomal elements, depending on the type of nucleic acid introduced and the cellular machinery involved. Once inside the cells, the introduced genetic material can be transcribed and translated, leading to expression of the foreign genes and production of protein products. This enables researchers to study the effects of gene expression changes, protein function, or cellular response to external factors.
Overall, transfections are crucial techniques that enable scientists to manipulate genetic material in living cells, providing valuable insights into gene regulation and cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for TRANSFECTIONS
- transection
- transections
- transfection
- rransfections
- fransfections
- gransfections
- yransfections
- 6ransfections
- 5ransfections
- teansfections
- tdansfections
- tfansfections
- ttansfections
- t5ansfections
- t4ansfections
- trznsfections
- trsnsfections
- trwnsfections
- trqnsfections
- trabsfections
- tranfections
- transectionss
- Tranfectons
- Tranfectsions
Etymology of TRANSFECTIONS
The word "transfection" is a combination of two terms: "trans" and "infection".
1. "Trans" is a Latin prefix meaning "across" or "beyond". It is commonly used to indicate movement, transfer, or change. In the context of molecular biology, "trans" refers to the transfer of genetic material from one cell to another.
2. "Infection" comes from the Latin word "infectio", meaning "infection" or "contamination". It refers to the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms, such as viruses or bacteria, in a host organism.
Therefore, "transfection" combines these two concepts to describe the process of artificially introducing genetic material into cells, often using a viral vector, to achieve desired changes or study biological processes.
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