Aptamer: Difference between revisions
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<h2>Aptamer</h2> | <h2>Aptamer</h2> | ||
<p><span style="font-size: small;">An aptamer is an nucleic acid that binds a target molecule. </span></p> | <p><span style="font-size: small;">An aptamer is an nucleic acid that binds a target molecule. </span></p> | ||
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<h2>Selection of Aptamers</h2> | <h2>Selection of Aptamers</h2> | ||
<p><span style="font-size: small;">RNA aptamers are generated by selection. The selection process begins with a large library of random sequences and removes RNAs that do not bind the target or bind nonspecifically. The selected RNAs are isolated, reverse-transcribed, amplified, and the process is repeated.</span></p> | <p><span style="font-size: small;">RNA aptamers are generated by selection. The selection process begins with a large library of random sequences and removes RNAs that do not bind the target or bind nonspecifically. The selected RNAs are isolated, reverse-transcribed, amplified, and the process is repeated.</span></p> | ||
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Revision as of 16:26, 28 March 2013
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Aptamer
An aptamer is an nucleic acid that binds a target molecule.
Comparison to Antibodies
Like antibodies, RNA aptamers can be extremely specific to a target and are capable of discriminating between closely related molecules. RNA aptamers and antibodies can be generated to bind a similarly diverse array of targets. Antibodies, however, are composed of protein and must be produced by the immune cells of a living organism. Novel aptamers can be selected quicky in vitroand amplified by PCR.
Selection of Aptamers
RNA aptamers are generated by selection. The selection process begins with a large library of random sequences and removes RNAs that do not bind the target or bind nonspecifically. The selected RNAs are isolated, reverse-transcribed, amplified, and the process is repeated.
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