Human Genome terms starting with G

46 terms

  1. Gamete A haploid sex cell, egg or sperm, that contains a single copy of each chromosome.
  2. GC-rich area Many DNA sequences carry long stretches of repeated G and C which often indicate a gene-rich region.
  3. Gel electrophoresis See: electrophoresis.
  4. Gene The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a…
  5. Gene amplification The presence of multiple genes. Amplification is one mechanism through which proto-oncogenes are activated in malignant cells.
  6. Gene chip technology Development of cDNA microarrays from a large number of genes. Used to monitor and measure changes in gene expression for each gene represented on the chip.
  7. gene expression (JEEN ek-SPREH-shun) The process by which a gene gets turned on in a cell to make RNA and proteins.
  8. Gene family Group of closely related genes that make similar products.
  9. Gene library See: library.
  10. gene mapping See: mapping.
  11. Gene pool The totality of all alleles of all genes of all individuals in a particular population.
  12. Gene prediction Predictions of possible genes made by a computer program based on how well a stretch of DNA sequence matches known gene sequences
  13. Gene product The biochemical material, either RNA or protein, resulting from expression of a gene.
  14. Gene testing See: genetic testing, genetic screening
  15. gene therapy (jeen THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment that alters a gene. In studies of gene therapy for cancer, researchers are trying to improve the body's natural ability to…
  16. gene transfer The insertion of genetic material into a cell.
  17. Genetic code The three-letter code that translates nucleic acid sequence into protein sequence.
  18. genetic code (ATGC) The instructions in a gene that tell the cell how to make a specific protein. A, T, G, and C are the "letters" of the DNA code; they stand for the…
  19. genetic counseling (jeh-NEH-tik KOWN-suh-ling) A communication process between a specially trained health professional and a person concerned about the genetic risk of…
  20. Genetic discrimination Prejudice against those who have or are likely to develop an inherited disorder.
  21. Genetic engineering The manipulation of an organism's genetic endowment by introducing or eliminating specific genes through modern molecular biology techniques.
  22. Genetic engineering technology See: recombinant DNA technology
  23. Genetic illness Sickness, physical disability, or other disorder resulting from the inheritance of one or more deleterious alleles.
  24. Genetic informatics See: bioinformatics
  25. genetic map The linear array of genes on a chromosome, based on recombination frequencies (linkage map) or physical location (physical or chromosomal map).
  26. genetic marker Alteration in DNA that may indicate an increased risk of developing a specific disease or disorder.
  27. Genetic material See: genome
  28. Genetic mosaic An organism in which different cells contain different genetic sequence. This can be the result of a mutation during development or fusion of embryos at…
  29. Genetic polymorphism See: polymorphism.
  30. Genetic predisposition An inherited increase in the risk of developing a disease. Also called genetic susceptibility.
  31. Genetic screening Testing a population group to identify a subset of individuals at high risk for having or transmitting a specific genetic disorder. See also
  32. Genetic testing Analyzing DNA to look for a genetic alteration that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder.
  33. Genetics (jeh-NEH-tix) The study of genes and heredity. Heredity is the passing of genetic information and traits (such as eye color and an increased chance of…
  34. Genome The complete genetic material of an organism.
  35. Genome project Research and technology-development effort aimed at mapping and sequencing the genome of human beings and certain model organisms.
  36. Genomic library A library composed of fragments of genomic DNA. (See Library.)
  37. Genomic sequence See: DNA
  38. Genomics (jeh-NOH-miks) The study of the complete genetic material, including genes and their functions, of an organism.
  39. Genotype The structure of DNA that determines the expression of a trait. See Phenotype.
  40. Germ cell Reproductive cell. See Somatic cell.
  41. germ line A lineage of cells which, during the development of an organism, are set aside as potential gamete-forming tissues.
  42. Germ line gene therapy The delivery of a gene or genes to a fertilized egg or an early embryonic cell.
  43. Germ line genetic mutation See: mutation
  44. guanine (Abbreviation: G). One of the bases found in DNA and RNA. See: guanosine.
  45. Guanine (G) A nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair GC (guanine and cytosine) in DNA. See also: base pair, nucleotide
  46. Gyandromorph Organisms that have both male and female cells and therefore express both male and female characteristics.