FLANKING REGION Meaning and
Definition
-
Flanking region is a term commonly used in genetics and molecular biology to refer to the non-coding DNA sequences present on both sides of a gene. It is the genomic region that lies adjacent to and surrounds a gene, extending from the start of the gene's promoter region to the end of its terminator region. These regions can vary in length, typically ranging from a few hundred to thousands of base pairs.
The flanking region plays a crucial role in gene regulation and expression. It contains various regulatory elements such as enhancers and silencers, which can influence the transcription of the gene. These elements interact with specific proteins or transcription factors to either enhance or inhibit the gene's activity. Additionally, the flanking region may also harbor binding sites for other regulatory molecules that can modulate the gene's expression.
Moreover, the flanking region is of immense importance in molecular biology techniques like DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and genetic engineering. During these procedures, specific regions within the flanking region are targeted for amplification or manipulation. The flanking region serves as a reference point to design primers or molecular probes needed for these techniques.
Understanding the flanking region is vital for unraveling the functional significance and regulatory mechanisms associated with a gene. By studying the flanking region, scientists can gain insights into the factors that influence gene expression, leading to a better understanding of genetic diseases, development, and evolution.
Common Misspellings for FLANKING REGION
- dlanking region
- clanking region
- vlanking region
- glanking region
- tlanking region
- rlanking region
- fkanking region
- fpanking region
- foanking region
- flznking region
- flsnking region
- flwnking region
- flqnking region
- flabking region
- flamking region
- flajking region
- flahking region
- flanjing region
- flanming region
- flanling region
Etymology of FLANKING REGION
The term "flanking region" has its roots in military terminology. The word "flank" originally comes from the Old French word "flanc", which means "side". It entered the English language in the late 14th century. In military context, "flank" refers to the side of an army, formation, or position.
The word "region" has Latin origins, derived from the Latin word "regio", meaning "direction" or "boundary". Over time, "region" evolved to mean a particular area or part of a larger whole.
The combination of "flanking" and "region" forms the term "flanking region". While its usage in military strategy is about positioning forces on the sides to gain an advantage, "flanking region" has also been adopted in other fields, such as genetics, where it refers to the non-coding sequences of DNA that flank a gene.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
