TANDEM REPEAT Meaning and
Definition
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A tandem repeat refers to a specific type of DNA sequence pattern that occurs when a sequence of nucleotides is repeated consecutively in a DNA molecule. It is characterized by multiple repetitions of a short DNA sequence, usually consisting of one to several dozen base pairs, appearing sequentially without interruption. These repetitions can range from two to thousands of copies, and are usually located in close proximity to one another on the same chromosome. Tandem repeats are a common occurrence in most genomes, found in both coding and non-coding regions.
Tandem repeats can be classified into several categories based on the number of repeats and their length. Short tandem repeats (STRs), also known as microsatellites, are tandem repeats consisting of two to six nucleotides. Variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) are a type of tandem repeat wherein the number of repeats varies between individuals, making them useful for genetic fingerprinting and forensic analysis. In contrast, minisatellites or variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) have repeats that are longer, usually around ten to one hundred base pairs.
Tandem repeats play important roles in various biological processes. They can be involved in gene regulation, as repeat expansion or contraction can affect gene expression levels. Tandem repeats can also cause genetic diseases when there is an abnormal expansion in the number of repeats, disrupting normal gene function. Furthermore, they have been implicated in chromosome structure and stability, DNA replication, DNA repair, and evolution. The study of tandem repeats has become an essential aspect of genomic research, helping unravel the complex organization and function of the genome.
Common Misspellings for TANDEM REPEAT
- randem repeat
- fandem repeat
- gandem repeat
- yandem repeat
- 6andem repeat
- 5andem repeat
- tzndem repeat
- tsndem repeat
- twndem repeat
- tqndem repeat
- tabdem repeat
- tamdem repeat
- tajdem repeat
- tahdem repeat
- tansem repeat
- tanxem repeat
- tancem repeat
- tanfem repeat
- tanrem repeat
- taneem repeat
Etymology of TANDEM REPEAT
The word "tandem" comes from the Latin word "tandem", which means "at length" or "finally". In the context of the word "tandem repeat", it refers to a specific type of genetic sequence where a pattern of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA) is repeated in a head-to-tail fashion. The term "repeat" simply refers to the repetition of this pattern. Together, "tandem repeat" describes a specific sequence of genetic material that is repeated in a consecutive manner.
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