Primer

Pronunciation
/PRY-mer/
Category
Molecular Biology
Singular
Primer
Plural
Primers

Definition

Short, single-stranded DNA sequences used in PCR to initiate DNA synthesis.

Etymology

From Latin 'primus', meaning 'first', referring to the first step in DNA synthesis.

Example

Primers are designed to bind to specific target DNA sequences.

Related Terms

  • DNA synthesis
  • PCR
  • DNA polymerase