Aptamers
Aptamers
Aptamers (pronounced: /ˈæptəmər/) are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can bind to specific target molecules.
Etymology
The term "aptamer" comes from the Latin aptus meaning "fit", and the Greek meros meaning "part". It refers to the ability of these molecules to fit perfectly with their target molecules, much like a key fits into a lock.
Definition
Aptamers are a class of molecule that can bind to a wide range of target molecules, including small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, and even cells, viruses, and organisms. They are created through a process called SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment), which involves repeated rounds of selection and amplification to generate a pool of molecules with high affinity for the target.
Related Terms
- SELEX: A method for producing aptamers. It involves repeated rounds of selection, amplification, and partitioning to generate a pool of molecules with high affinity for a target molecule.
- Nucleic Acid: The type of molecule that aptamers are made from. This includes both DNA and RNA.
- Ligand: A molecule that binds to another (usually larger) molecule. In the context of aptamers, the target molecule is often referred to as the ligand.
- Affinity: In biochemistry, affinity refers to the strength of the interaction between a ligand and its binding partner. Aptamers are selected for their high affinity for their target molecules.
Applications
Aptamers have a wide range of applications in both research and therapeutics. They can be used as biosensors, in drug delivery, as therapeutic agents, and in molecular biology and biochemistry research.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aptamers
- Wikipedia's article - Aptamers
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