microsatellite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “microsatellite” mean?
A short, repetitive sequence of DNA, typically 2-6 base pairs long, repeated numerous times in a row.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, repetitive sequence of DNA, typically 2-6 base pairs long, repeated numerous times in a row.
A segment of DNA characterized by a short, tandemly repeated sequence; widely used as a genetic marker in genetic mapping, population studies, and forensic analysis due to its high variability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical term with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency and context in British and American scientific literature.
Grammar
How to Use “microsatellite” in a Sentence
The researchers identified a [ADJ] microsatellite in the genome.Microsatellite [PLURAL NOUN] are used to track inheritance.The study focused on microsatellite instability in [TYPE OF CANCER].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microsatellite” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The microsatellite data provided a clear lineage.
- They performed a microsatellite analysis.
American English
- The microsatellite analysis confirmed paternity.
- Microsatellite markers are highly informative.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in genetics, molecular biology, forensic science, and evolutionary biology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The exclusive domain of use. Precise term in laboratory reports, genetic analyses, and research protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microsatellite”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microsatellite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microsatellite”
- Misspelling as 'microsatelite' (missing one 'l').
- Confusing with 'minisatellite' (which has longer repeat units).
- Using it as a general term for any small object in space.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized scientific term used almost exclusively in genetics, molecular biology, and related fields. It is not used in everyday conversation.
The key difference is the length of the repeated unit. Microsatellites have very short repeat units (2-6 base pairs). Minisatellites have longer repeat units (typically 10-60 base pairs).
No, 'microsatellite' is exclusively a noun. Related actions would use verbs like 'analyse', 'type', 'amplify', or 'identify' microsatellites.
They are highly polymorphic (variable) between individuals, making them excellent markers for genetic fingerprinting, paternity testing, population genetics studies, and tracing disease inheritance.
A short, repetitive sequence of DNA, typically 2-6 base pairs long, repeated numerous times in a row.
Microsatellite is usually technical/scientific in register.
Microsatellite: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.krəʊˈsæt.ə.laɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈsæt̬.əl.aɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny (MICRO) satellite orbiting a planet. Now imagine it's made of repeating LEGO blocks (repeats) instead of metal. That's a MICRO-repeating-SATELLITE of DNA.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GENETIC BARCODE or FINGERPRINT (due to its use in unique identification). A STUTTER IN THE GENETIC CODE (due to its repetitive nature).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common contemporary use of the term 'microsatellite'?