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Bioinformatics Glossary

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Weight matrix

The density of binding sites in a gene or sequence can be used to derive a ratio of density for each element in a pattern of interest. The combined individual density ratios of all elements are then collectively used to build a scoring profile known as a weight matrix. This profile can be used to test the prediction of the identification of the selected pattern and the ability of the algorithm to discriminate them from non-pattern sequences. 

Western blot

Technique in which specific antibodies are used to identify their antigens from a mixture of proteins. Typically, these proteins mixtures are first separated by electrophoresis and then transfered onto nylon sheets by electrotransfer. Radiolabeled or enzyme-linked antibodies are incubated with the sheets and unbound antibodies washed away allowing the position of the bound antibody to be revealed by autoradiography or color which is formed upon addition of a substrate. 

Wild type

Form of a gene or allele that is considered the "standard" or most common. 

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