satellite DNA

noun

: a fraction of a eukaryotic organism's DNA that differs in density from most of its DNA as determined by centrifugation, that consists of short repetitive nucleotide sequences, that does not undergo transcription, and that is often found in centromeric regions

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of satellite DNA was in 1961

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Cite this Entry

“Satellite DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/satellite%20DNA. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

satellite DNA

noun
: a fraction of a eukaryotic organism's DNA that differs in density from most of its DNA as determined by centrifugation, that consists of short repetitive nucleotide sequences, that does not undergo transcription, and that is often found in centromeric regions
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