SELDI

Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionisation invented by T. William Hutchens

Sequencing
Determination of a DNA sequence by either of two methods: The chemical cleavage method, developed by Maxam and Gilbert, is today hardly used, or the controlled interruption of enzymatic replication (Sanger et al.). It can also be determined by various automated methods developed from these two methods.

Shotgun library
Library of transformed plasmid clones, containing size-selected DNA inserts such as e.g. plasmids, cosmids, PCR fragments or whole genomes. The original DNA is nonspecifically fragmented by shering and then subcloned in a suitable vector.

SNP
Single nucleotide polymorphism; a site on the DNA strand at which the base sequence differs among individuals (Pronounce "snip"). See also: SNP chips, SNPs

SNP chips
Microarrays that are used for the genome wide genotyping of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) See also: SNP

SNPs
See also: SNP

Substrate
Substance on which an enzyme acts in biochemical reactions; or, in hybridisation arrays, the particular material onto which the biomolecules are deposited. These surfaces include glass, nylon, silicon or ceramic.

Target
Free nucleic acid sample/protein/etc. whose identity and abundance is to be detected.

Telomere
Refers to the end of each chromosome arm distal to the centromere. It consists of special DNA elements (repeats) that are replicated by a special mechanism to help avoid shortening the chromosome ends. The enzyme responsible for this feature is called "telomerase".

Trait
The same as "character"; refers to any detectable phenotypic property of an organism.

Vector
A vector is a self-replicating DNA molecule (DNA vector, lambda cloning vector, plasmid cloning vector) that transfers a DNA segment between host cells; sometimes it is also called a "vehicle". It might also be an organism that transfers a parasite from one host to another.

YAC
icroarrays that are used for the genome wide genotyping of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms)