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Glite Dictionary
📱 Layout change 💻 A program stop 🧬 A DNA break
breakpoint

breakpoint

1 8.4
A place on a chromosome where part of the DNA breaks and moves
  • noun
  • /ˈbreɪkˌpɔɪnt/
  • Specialized
: punto de ruptura
  • Researchers identified a breakpoint in the DNA sequence that is associated with the development of cancer.

Examples

  • It is called a physical map because the breakpoints used to map genes are produced by a physical cutting of DNA fragments from chromosomes.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Applications of this method could include marker-assisted selection for a single gene, or fine mapping and positional cloning, which requires screening for recombination breakpoints between pairs of genes.

    Academic text (2010)

  • This contrasts with the genetic map in which the breakpoints occur naturally, as a result of sexual reproduction.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Depending on the breakpoint on the chromosome, a patient might have small-type CES I or large-type CES II.

    Academic text (2004)

  • In genetics, the breakpoint on the chromosome can indicate a significant mutation linked to certain disorders.

  • The genetic study revealed several breakpoints that could lead to hereditary diseases affecting the family.

Surface Forms

breakpoint singular
breakpoints plural

Morphology

breakpoint = break + point (transparent) = break + point

A straightforward compound meaning the location where a break (in a chromosome or DNA) occurs.

Etymology

Breakpoint joins break 'a split' and point 'a place'. In genetics a breakpoint is the exact place on a chromosome or DNA where it is 'broken' or changed, like a broken link in a chain.