BIOLISTICS Meaning and
Definition
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Biolistics refers to a technique used in molecular biology and genetic engineering that involves the direct delivery of genetic material into living cells or organisms using high-velocity particles, typically microscopic gold or tungsten particles. The term "biolistics" is derived from the combination of the words "biology" and "ballistics," emphasizing the ballistics-based approach used to introduce the genetic material.
The process of biolistics generally involves coating the desired genetic material, such as plasmid DNA, onto the surface of the microparticles. These particles are then accelerated to high speeds using specialized devices called gene guns or particle bombardment devices. The accelerated microparticles are introduced into the target cells or tissues, resulting in their penetration into the living cells or organisms. Once inside, the genetic material can be integrated into the recipient genome, leading to the expression of new traits or alterations in the target organism's phenotype.
Biolistics provides a valuable method for introducing exogenous genetic material into various types of cells and organisms, including plant cells, animal cells, and even small embryos. This technique offers several advantages over alternative methods, such as ease of use, versatility, and a relatively high transformation rate. Biolistics has been widely applied in plant genetic engineering, allowing the introduction of novel traits, including improved agronomic characteristics, pest resistance, or enhanced nutritional content. Additionally, this technique has also found applications in animal genetic engineering, microbial manipulation, and research fields studying gene function and regulation.
Common Misspellings for BIOLISTICS
Etymology of BIOLISTICS
The word "biolistics" is a compound term that derives from two components: "bio-" and "-listics".
- The prefix "bio-" is derived from the Greek word "bios", meaning "life" or "living", and is commonly used to indicate a connection to biology or living organisms. It is often used in scientific terminology to refer to the study of life or living organisms.
- The suffix "-listics" comes from the Greek word "-logia", which means "the study of" or "the science of". It is frequently used in the formation of technical or scientific terms to indicate the field or study of a particular subject.
Similar spelling word for BIOLISTICS
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