Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
DNA biosensor
In general, a biosensor used for detection of DNA
and/or its specific interactions. It is mostly represented by a DNA-
based biosensor.
DNA damage
Alteration in the DNA chemical structure resulting
from interactions with physical or chemical agents occurring in
the environment, generated in the organisms as by-products of
metabolism or used as therapeutics [13]. The main types of DNA
damage include interruptions of the sugar-phosphate backbone
(strand breaks), release of bases due to hydrolysis of N-glycosidic
bonds (resulting in abasic sites), and a variety of nucleobase lesions
(adducts) resulting from reactions of DNA with a broad range of
oxidants, alkylating agents, and others.
DNA hybridization
Chemical interaction of DNA based on the
abilityofssDNAtoformahelix,dsDNAwithacounterpartexhibiting
nucleotidesequencecomplementarity.Aprocessoftheformationof
dsDNAfromsspolynucleotidechainsbasedoncomplementarybase
pairing.
DNA label (tracer)
Species covalently bound to DNA and used in its
electrochemical detection.
Electrochemical biosensor
A self-contained integrated device that
is capable of providing specific quantitative or semiquantitative
analytical information using a biological recognition element (bio-
chemical receptor), which is retained in direct spatial contact with
an electrochemical transduction element [6]. A biosensor with an
electrochemical transducer may represent a chemically modified
electrode.
Electrochemical DNA-based biosensor
A biosensor that integrates
DNA (generally a nucleic acid) as the biological recognition element
and an electrode as the physicochemical transducer.
Electrochemical cell/voltammetric cell
A cell where electrochemi-
cal/voltammetric measurements are performed. It incorporates an
ionic conductor (electrolyte, sample solution) and typically three
electrodes: a working electrode (a microelectrode), a current-
