Dictionary > Gene amplification

Gene amplification

Definition
noun, plural: gene amplifications
The process of duplicating a particular gene, causing the gene to increase in frequency inside the cell, as well as amplifying the phenotype (e.g. the proteins) that the gene confers (or code for)
Supplement
Gene amplification is the process of duplicating a specific gene. This amplification increases the frequency of the gene inside the cell. Consequently, it also leads to the amplification of the phenotype (e.g. the proteins) that the gene confers (or code for). Thus, gene amplification is a means through which a gene can be over-expressed.
Gene amplification that occurs naturally may be due to mutations. Errors in DNA replication and repair can result in mutations. A mutation is a change in the nucleotide sequence of a gene or a chromosome. Some of the events that may lead to gene amplifications include unequal crossing-over between misaligned homologous chromosomes during meiosis, retrotransposition, aneuploidy, polyploidy, and replication slippage.
Gene amplification is also linked to drug resistance in cancer cells where amplification results in cells being prevented from absorbing the chemotherapeutic drug. Thus, it is induced artificially, particularly through polymerase chain reaction technique.
Synonym(s):

  • gene duplication
  • chromosomal amplification

See also:

  • mutation
  • chromosome
  • large-scale mutation
  • aneuploidy
  • polymerase chain reaction


  • You will also like...

    squirrel
    Animal Water Regulation

    Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

    Plant Water Regulation
    Plant Water Regulation

    Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

    Water Cycle
    The Water Cycle

    The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..

    Adaptation Tutorial
    Adaptation Tutorial

    Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..

    Plant biology
    Plant Biology

    Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

    Early Earth
    The Origins of Life

    This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..