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== Gene gun ==

A '''gene gun''' or a '''biolistic particle delivery system''' is a device used to deliver DNA into cells. This method is often used in plant transformation, but can also be used in transformation of animal cells.

=== Pronunciation ===

Gene gun: /dʒiːn gʌn/

=== Etymology ===

The term "gene gun" is derived from the device's function of shooting genetic material into cells. The term "biolistic" is a portmanteau of "biology" and "ballistic", referring to the method's use of high velocity to deliver DNA.

=== Function ===

The [[gene gun]] works by coating small particles of gold or tungsten with DNA and then shooting these particles into a tissue or single cell. This process is also known as [[biolistics]], a method of transfection.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Biolistics]]: A method of transfection where DNA is coated onto a heavy metal particle, usually gold or tungsten, and shot into cells or tissue.
* [[Transfection]]: The process of introducing nucleic acids into cells.
* [[Transformation (genetics)]]: The genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous genetic material from its surroundings.
* [[DNA]]: Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule composed of two chains that coil around each other to form a double helix carrying genetic instructions.

=== See Also ===

* [[Microinjection]]
* [[Electroporation]]
* [[Lipofection]]

[[Category:Genetic engineering]]
[[Category:Biotechnology]]
[[Category:DNA]]
[[Category:Genetics]]

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