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adapter

6.2

A short piece of DNA added to DNA fragments so they can be copied and read by a DNA-reading machine

noun
/əˈdæptər/

Specialized

: adaptador

Before sequencing the samples, scientists must attach the adapter to the ends of the DNA fragments.

The template anneals to one of these adapters.

Examples

Now, it happens to be that the fragments that you're adding to the fragment adapter have, themselves, adapters that handle the data inside of them, but that doesn't mean those concerns should intersect at all.

Blog text (18)
That made it easier to attach specially designed molecules known as adapters and read out the DNA code, piece by piece.

Blog text (18)
And in addition, we can have this adapter protein SSPB and the adapter clip X.
You extend the adapter molecule with DNTPS and polymerase.
Now, it happens to be that the fragments that you're adding to the fragment adapter have, themselves, adapters that handle the data inside of them, but that doesn't mean those concerns should intersect at all.

Blog text (18)
In molecular biology, researchers use an adapter sequence to ensure the DNA fragments are properly amplified before sequencing.
The adapter that connects the DNA fragment to the sequencing platform is essential for accurate results.

Compounds

display adapter

Specialized

4.4

A computer part that changes data into signals the screen uses to show pictures

Surface Forms

adapter singular

adapters plural

Morphology

adapter = adapt (semi-transparent) = adapt + er

Formally built from 'adapt' + '-er', but the technical molecular-biology sense refers to a specific short DNA/RNA sequence whose precise function is specialized.

Etymology

Adapter comes from old Latin ad- 'to' and aptare 'to fit', which is also the root of adapt. In DNA work an adapter is a short piece added to DNA to help it 'fit' the sequencing machine so the machine can read the samples.