DNA LIGATION Meaning and
Definition
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DNA ligation is a biological process that involves the joining together of two segments of DNA molecules by forming a covalent bond between their ends. It is a fundamental technique in molecular biology and genetic engineering, crucial for manipulating and recombining DNA fragments. DNA ligation is performed using enzymes called DNA ligases, which catalyze the formation of a phosphodiester bond between the sugar-phosphate backbones of the DNA molecules.
In the context of recombinant DNA technology, DNA ligation plays a pivotal role in constructing artificial DNA sequences. Fragments of DNA obtained from various sources are cleaved by specific restriction enzymes, generating DNA fragments with complementary cohesive ends or sticky ends. These complementary ends facilitate the annealing of the fragments, and DNA ligase then covalently seals the nicks, creating a continuous DNA molecule. The joined fragments can originate from similar or dissimilar DNA sources, helping in the creation of gene fusions or chimera molecules.
DNA ligation is utilized in various molecular biology techniques, including cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, construction of recombinant plasmids, genome sequencing, and DNA library preparation. It is an essential maneuver in these applications as it confers stability to the manipulated DNA constructs, allowing further analysis or functionality. Additionally, DNA ligation is performed under controlled conditions, with specific temperatures, buffers, and reaction times, to maximize efficiency and minimize undesired ligation or degradation events.
Common Misspellings for DNA LIGATION
- sna ligation
- xna ligation
- cna ligation
- fna ligation
- rna ligation
- ena ligation
- dba ligation
- dma ligation
- dja ligation
- dha ligation
- dnz ligation
- dns ligation
- dnw ligation
- dnq ligation
- dna kigation
- dna pigation
- dna oigation
- dna lugation
- dna ljgation
- dna lkgation
Etymology of DNA LIGATION
The term "DNA ligation" is composed of two key elements: "DNA" and "ligation".
1. DNA: The acronym "DNA" stands for "deoxyribonucleic acid", which is a molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of all known living organisms. The term "DNA" was coined in 1944 by Oswald Avery, Colin MacLeod, and Maclyn McCarty, who identified DNA as the substance responsible for carrying genetic information.
2. Ligation: The term "ligation" comes from the Latin word "ligare", which means "to bind" or "to join". In biology, ligation refers to the process of joining or connecting two DNA fragments together to create a longer DNA molecule. It involves using enzymes called ligases, which can catalyze the formation of covalent bonds between the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA fragments.
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