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definitions

gene amplification

noun Genetics.
  1. an increase in the frequency of replication of a DNA segment.
  2. such an increase induced by a polymerase chain reaction.

Origin of gene amplification

First recorded in 1970–75
Also called genetic amplification, DNA amplification.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
gene amplification in Medicine

gene amplification

n.
  1. A cellular process characterized by the production of copies of a gene or genes to amplify the phenotype that the gene confers on the cell.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
gene amplification in Science

gene amplification

  1. An increase in the number of copies of a gene in a cell, resulting in an elevation in the level of the RNA or protein encoded for by the gene and a corresponding amplification of the phenotype that the gene confers on the cell. Drug resistance in cancer cells is linked to amplification of the gene that prevents absorption of the chemotherapeutic agent by the cell.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
gene amplification in Culture

gene amplification

A process in a cell by which a particular gene is replicated so that more copies are available to produce a protein for the cell's use. For example, the genes that code for proteins involved in ribosomes are amplified early in the process of cell development so that there are sufficient numbers of them to assemble the cell.

Note

PCR, polymerase chain reaction, can be considered a type of man-made gene amplification process.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.