Gene amplification

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-004806",
  "term": "Gene amplification",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A rise in the copy number of a particular gene or DNA segment in a cell, so that the cell carries many more than the usual two copies. It occurs naturally during some developmental programs and as a response to selection pressure, for example the extra dihydrofolate reductase copies that make cells resistant to methotrexate. In tumors, amplification of an oncogene such as MYCN or HER2 raises its expression and drives growth.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and the Environment",
  "see_also": [
    "gene"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1992, 64, 143. 'Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)' on page 154 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199264010143)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/gene-amplification/"
}