What is "nullomers"

n. (plural of nullomer English)

Nullomers are short sequences of DNA base pairs that do not occur in the genome of a species (commonly humans), even though they are theoretically possible. Nullomers must be under a selective pressure - for example, they may be toxic to the cell. Some nullomers have been shown to be useful to treat leukemia, breast, and prostate cancer. They are not useful in healthy cells because normal cells adapt and become immune to them. Nullomers are also being developed for use as DNA tags to prevent cross contamination when analyzing crime scene material.