Trinucleotide repeat
Trinucleotide Repeat
Trinucleotide repeat (pronunciation: tri-nu-cle-o-tide re-peat) is a sequence of three nucleotides that is repeated in a gene or other DNA sequence. These repeats can be normal or can cause disease when they are expanded beyond a certain length.
Etymology
The term "trinucleotide repeat" is derived from the Greek words "tri" meaning three, "nucleus" meaning kernel or seed, and the English word "repeat". It refers to the repetition of a sequence of three nucleotides in a DNA sequence.
Related Terms
- Nucleotide: The basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
- Gene: A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein or set of proteins.
- DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in all living organisms and many viruses.
- RNA: Ribonucleic acid, a molecule similar to DNA that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and other chemical activities of the cell.
- Protein: A large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order.
- Trinucleotide Repeat Disorders: A group of genetic disorders caused by trinucleotide repeat expansion.
Diseases Associated with Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion
Certain diseases are caused by the expansion of trinucleotide repeats in specific genes. These include:
- Huntington's disease: A neurodegenerative genetic disorder that affects muscle coordination and leads to cognitive decline and psychiatric problems.
- Fragile X syndrome: A genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems including learning disabilities and cognitive impairment.
- Myotonic dystrophy: A type of muscular dystrophy that affects muscles and other body systems.
- Friedreich's ataxia: An autosomal recessive inherited disease that causes progressive damage to the nervous system.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trinucleotide repeat
- Wikipedia's article - Trinucleotide repeat
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