| random amplification of polymorphic DNA | <molecular biology> A term originally invented by polymer chemists to describe a disordered tangle of a linear polymer chain with curved sections. In DNA parlance the random coil refers to the structure that results from melting or other forms of separation of the double helix, i.e. Helix coil transition. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| random amplified polymorphic DNA technique | Technique that utilises low-stringency polymerase chain reaction (pcr) amplification with single primers of arbitrary sequence to generate strain-specific arrays of anonymous DNA fragments. Rapd technique may be used to determine taxonomic identity, assess kinship relationships, analyze mixed genome samples, and create specific probes. (12 Dec 1998) |
| genomic DNA | <molecular biology> The DNA which is found in the organisms genome and is passed on to offspring as information necessary for survival. The phrase is used to distinguish between other types of DNA, such as found within plasmids. (09 Oct 1997) |
| recombinant DNA | <molecular biology> Spliced DNA formed from two or more different sources that have been cleaved by restriction enzymes and joined by ligases. (18 Nov 1997) |
| recombinant DNA molecules | A combination of DNA molecules of different origin that are joined using recombinant DNA technology. (12 Dec 1998) |
| recombinant DNA technologies | Procedures used to join together DNA segments in a cell-free system (an environment outside a cell ororganism). Under appropriate conditions, a recombinant DNA molecule canenter a cell and replicate there, either autonomously or after it hasbecome integrated into a cellular chromosome. (09 Oct 1997) |
| recombinant DNA technology | A series of procedures used to join together (recombine) DNA segments. A recombinant DNA molecule is constructed (recombined) from segments from 2 or more different DNA molecules. Under certain conditions, a recombinant DNA molecule can enter a cell and replicate there, autonomously (on its own) or after it has become integrated into a chromosome. (12 Dec 1998) |
| relaxed DNA | <molecular biology> DNA that isn't supercoiled. (09 Oct 1997) |
| repetitive DNA | <molecular biology> Nucleotide sequences in DNA that are present in the genome as numerous copies. Originally identified by the C0t_ value derived from kinetic studies of DNA renaturation. These sequences are not thought to code for polypeptides. One class of repetitive DNA, termed highly repetitive DNA, is found as short sequences, 5-100 nucleotides, repeated thousands of times in a single long stretch. It typically comprises 3-10% of the genomic DNA and is predominantly satellite DNA. Another class, which comprises 25-40% of the DNA and termed moderately repetitive DNA, usually consists of sequences about 150 to 300 nucleotides in length dispersed evenly throughout the genome and includes Alu sequences and transposons. (18 Nov 1997) |
| replication, DNA | A wondrous complex process whereby the ( parent ) strands of DNA in the double helix are separated and each one is copied to produce a new ( daughter ) strand. This process is said to be semi-conservative since one of each parent strand is conserrved and remains intact after replication has taken place. (12 Dec 1998) |
| melting temperature of DNA | That temperature at which, under a given set of conditions, double-stranded DNA is changed (50%) to single-stranded DNA; under standard conditions, the base composition of the DNA can be estimated from the denaturation temperature, since the greater the denaturation temperature, the greater the guanine-plus-cytosine content (i.e., GC content) of the DNA. Synonym: melting temperature of DNA. (05 Mar 2000) |
| chimeric DNA | <molecular biology> A molecule of DNA that has resulted from recombination, or has resulted from DNA from two sources being spliced together. (05 Jan 1998) |
| chloroplast DNA | <molecular biology> A circular molecule of DNA found in all photosynthetic plants which codes for the function of photosynthesis. (09 Oct 1997) |
| RNA-directed DNA polymerase | <enzyme> An enzyme that synthesises DNA on an RNA template. It is encoded by the pol gene of retroviruses and by certain retrovirus-like elements. Chemical name: Deoxynucleotide-triphosphate:DNA deoxynucleotidyltransferase (RNA-directed) Registry number: EC 2.7.7.49 (12 Dec 1998) |
| Pfu DNA polymerase | <enzyme> From pyrococcus furiosus; shows sequence homology with alpha-like DNA polymerases; amino acid sequence given in first source Registry number: EC 2.7.7.- Synonym: pfu polymerase (26 Jun 1999) |