prim·er

(prī'mĕr),

1. A molecule, which may be a small polymer, that initiates the synthesis of a larger structure. Synonym(s): starter

2. A pheromone that causes a long-term physiologic change.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

primer

(prī′mər)

Genetics A segment of DNA or RNA that is complementary to a given DNA sequence and that is needed to initiate replication by DNA polymerase.

primer

1. A short RNA sequence paired with one DNA strand that provides a free 3’-OH end on which synthesis of a deoxyribonycleotide chain can start.

2. The short nucleotide sequence used to start the POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) process.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

primer

a short OLIGONUCLEOTIDE, which is required for the functioning of various POLYMERASES. In DNA REPLICATION, the primer is a short RNA sequence that anneals to the DNA TEMPLATE and is extended by DNA POLYMERASE. In the POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION, the primer is a short oligonucleotide that initiates the PCR. In OLIGONUCLEOTIDE-DIRECTED MUTAGENESIS, the synthetic oligonucleotide used to introduce the mutation is a mutagenic primer that initiates DNA synthesis.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005

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References in periodicals archive

You can buy this primer in a variety of shades, suitable for different skin tones - you can even wear it on its own, to avoid oily eyelids.

Best eyeshadow primers to keep your eye make up crease and smudge free; What's worse than faded eye makeup? Creased eye makeup. Our round up outlines the best eyeshadow primers to help keep your eye makeup looking fierce and fresh all day long

rhPCR primers provide internal checkpoints in the PCR reaction that improve specificity and prevent primer-dimers from depleting reagents.

Ramping up PCR for SNP genotyping

Formulated to be used on a variety of metallic substrates including stainless steel and sanded aluminium, this chromate-free wash primer provides exceptional corrosion protection.

Environmental response: Axalta's Industrial Liquid business has strengthened its portfolio for a number of core industrial segments with environmentally-responsible range of coatings

Which pistol primer to use in such loads is the easy part of this discussion: When using extruded propellants, use the CCI-300, and when using ball-type propellants, use the CCI-350.

Levergun primer choice

Master riflesmith and PRS shooter Clayton Smith has pioneered a unique 7mm wildcat, the 7mm SAW, that showcases the advantages of the Small Rifle primer pocket.

Of Prime Importance? SEEKING ANSWERS IN THE SMALL RIFLE VS LARGE RIFLE PRIMER DEBATE

As to the results with W760 (better groups and less velocity variation with large primers), double-base spherical propellants like W760 contain a significant amount of nitroglycerin.

Primer or Brass Responsible for Better Results?

In group MP, 30 teeth were cured using standardized bonding protocol including application of moisture insensitive primer resin while 30 teeth in group P were cured using standardized bonding protocol including step of application of conventional primer resins.

COMPARISON OF SHEAR BOND STRENGTH OF MOISTURE INSENSITIVE PRIMER AND CONVENTIONAL PRIMER

The Tm of each primer was estimated, as this would be a key factor in assessing the annealing temperature of the primer to the respective DNA templates.

A NONINVASIVE MOLECULAR APPROACH: EXPLOITING SPECIES-LOCUS-SPECIFIC PCR PRIMERS IN DEFEATING NUMTS AND DNA CROSS-CONTAMINATION OF CERCOPITHECIDAE

We conducted a preliminary comparison of the relative sensitivity of a cross-section of published HRV-specific PCR primer pairs (most of which were first published before HRV-C was reported), independent of most variables described above, by testing a panel of 57 clinical specimen nucleic acid extracts from combined nose and throat swabs from preschool children with colds and influenza-like illnesses in Melbourne, Australia.

Usefulness of published PCR primers in detecting human rhinovirus infection

A standard 209 primer, as Sandstrom and muzzleloader shooters everywhere knew, delivered too much heat too fast.

The problem with primers: sometimes it is the simplest things, such as a little spark, that turn out to be not that simple at all

But if you've ever walked down the primer aisle at a home center, you know the primer choices are mind-boggling.

The power of primer