Orf

/ɔrf/ noun

Definition

Open Reading Frame, a DNA sequence that can potentially encode a protein, or a viral skin disease in sheep and goats.

Etymology

As an acronym, from 'Open Reading Frame' in molecular biology, coined in the 1970s. As a disease name, from Old English meaning 'rough, scabby', related to the viral infection's appearance.

Kelly Says

ORF exemplifies how scientific acronyms can share names with ancient diseases purely by coincidence. In genetics, finding ORFs is like discovering potential recipes in the cookbook of life.

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