Primer
Primer (medical)
Primer (pronounced: /ˈpraɪmər/) is a term used in various fields of medicine to denote a substance or device that initiates or enhances a process. The term is derived from the Latin word 'primus', meaning 'first'.
In Molecular Biology
In molecular biology, a primer is a short strand of RNA or DNA that serves as a starting point for DNA synthesis. It is required for DNA replication because the enzymes that catalyze this process, DNA polymerases, can only add new nucleotides to an existing strand of DNA.
In Immunology
In immunology, a primer can refer to a molecule that activates the immune response. This is often a protein or peptide that is recognized by the immune system as foreign, leading to the production of antibodies.
In Medical Devices
In the field of medical devices, a primer can refer to a substance applied to a surface to enhance adhesion or to prepare it for the application of another substance. For example, in dentistry, a primer may be used to prepare a tooth surface for the application of a dental adhesive.
Related Terms
- Primer (molecular biology)
- Primer (immunology)
- Primer (medical devices)
- DNA synthesis
- DNA polymerases
- Antibodies
- Dentistry
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Primer
- Wikipedia's article - Primer
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