1. a unit of measurement for DNA or RNA sequences equal to 1,000 base pairs or nucleotides
Usage: molecular biology; genetics

Examples

• The gene is approximately 2.5 kilobases long.
• Scientists measured the DNA fragment in kilobases.
• The plasmid contains a 3 kb insert.
• Restriction enzymes cut the DNA into fragments of various kilobase lengths.
• The researcher analyzed a 10-kilobase region of the chromosome.
• PCR amplification produced a 1.2 kilobase product.