open reading frame (ORF)

Introduction

A sequence of DNA which could potentially encode a protein, that is if transcribed will encode mRNA that has both a start codon & a stop codon. ORFs are frequently encounter with sifting through DNA while trying to locate genes. A long ORF is generally the transcribed part of a gene. Shorter ORFs occur by chance outside of genes.

Algorithms to find ORFS include all possible reading frames.

Open reading frames may be denoted: chromosome + reading frame i.e. chromosome 3 open reading frame 3 = C3orf3

More general terms

• reading frame

Additional terms

• frame shift