Reverse genetics
Reverse genetics
Reverse genetics (pronunciation: /rɪˈvɜːrs dʒɪˈnɛtɪks/) is a method in molecular biology that is used to help understand the function of a gene by analyzing the phenotypic effects of specific engineered gene sequences. This method is called "reverse" because it reverses the classical method of genetic research, in which scientists start with a phenotype and then try to determine the gene that causes that phenotype.
Etymology
The term "reverse genetics" was first used in the 1980s. It is derived from the fact that it is the reverse process of traditional genetics research, which starts with the phenotype and works backwards to find the gene. In reverse genetics, the process starts with the gene and works forward to find the phenotype.
Related Terms
- Gene: A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.
- Phenotype: The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
- Genotype: The genetic constitution of an individual organism.
- Molecular Biology: The branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of the macromolecules essential to life.
- Genetic Engineering: The deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Reverse genetics
- Wikipedia's article - Reverse genetics
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