-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
reading frame
noun
: a sequence of nucleotide triplets that is potentially translatable into a polypeptide and that is determined by the placement of a codon that initiates translation
Examples of reading frame in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
According to a study published in April 2020, mutations identified in the nonstructural protein NSP6 and open reading frame Orf10 likely prevent autophagosomes from delivering material to the lysosome.
—
William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2021
It is synthesized as part of two much longer polypeptides, the product of the initial long open reading frame (orf1a), and from the orf1b, the orf1ab polypeptide.
—
William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 4 June 2021
Further mutations to the nucleocapsid protein and open reading frame eight likely increase the virus’s virulence, as similar mutations have been seen in other variants.
—
William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2021
For instance, Lanjuan noted a mutation in the open reading frame three at position 251 (G251V).
—
William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reading frame.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1961, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near reading frame
Cite this Entry
“Reading frame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reading%20frame. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
Medical Definition
reading frame
noun
read·ing frame
ˈrēd-iŋ-
: any of the three possible ways of reading a sequence of nucleotides as a series of triplets see open reading frame
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share