Human Genome terms starting with M

39 terms

  1. Macrorestriction map Map depicting the order of and distance between sites at which restriction enzymes cleave chromosomes.
  2. malformation A structural defect inherited in an organ or part of an organ that results from abnormal fetal development. See also syndrome
  3. mapping Determining the physical location of a gene or genetic marker on a chromosome. (See Continuous map, Genetic map, Physical map.)
  4. Mapping population The group of related organisms used in constructing a genetic map.
  5. marker A diagnostic indication that disease may develop.
  6. Mass spectrometry this technique can be used to both measure and analyze molecules under study. It involves introducing enough energy into a target molecule to cause its…
  7. Megabase (Mb) Unit of length for DNA fragments equal to 1 million nucleotides and roughly equal to 1 cM. See also: centimorgan
  8. Meiosis A special form of cell division in which each daughter cell receives half the amount of DNA as the parent cell.
  9. melanoma (MEH-luh-NOH-muh) A form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin).
  10. Mendel, Johann (Gregor) Austrian biologist, born in 1822 and died in 1884, who laid the foundations for the science of genetics.
  11. Mendelian inheritance Manner in which genes and traits are passed from parents to children. Examples of Mendelian inheritance include autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive…
  12. Messenger RNA (mRNA) The class of RNA molecules that copies the genetic information from DNA, in the nucleus, and carries it to ribosomes, in the cytoplasm, where it is…
  13. Metaphase Stage of mitosis or meiosis (following prophase and preceding anaphase ) during which the chromosome s, or at least the kinetochores, lie in the central…
  14. Microarray Sets of miniaturized chemical reaction areas that may also be used to test DNA fragments, antibodies, or proteins.
  15. microarray technology A new way of studying how large numbers of genes interact with each other and how a cell's regulatory networks control vast batteries of genes…
  16. Microbial genetics The study of genes and gene function in bacteria, archaea, and other microorganisms.
  17. Microinjection A means to introduce a solution of DNA, protein, or other soluble material into a cell using a fine microcapillary pipet.
  18. Micronuclei Chromosome fragments that are not incorporated into the nucleus at cell division.
  19. microsatellite A short sequence of DNA, usually 1 to 4 basepairs (a unit of DNA), that is repeated together in a row along the DNA molecule.
  20. Mitochondrial DNA (Abbreviation: mtDNA). A circular DNA found in mitochondria. In mammals, mtDNA makes up less than 1% of the total DNA, but in plants the amount is…
  21. Mitosis (my-TOH-sis) The process by which a single parent cell divides to make two new daughter cells.
  22. Model organisms A laboratory animal or other organism useful for research.
  23. Modeling The use of statistical analysis, computer analysis, or model organisms to predict outcomes of research.
  24. Molecular biology The study of the biochemical and mo- lecular interactions within living cells.
  25. Molecular farming The development of transgenic animals to produce human proteins for medical use.
  26. Molecular genetics The study of the flow and regulation of genetic information between DNA, RNA, and protein molecules.
  27. Molecular medicine (muh-LEH-kyoo-ler MEH-dih-sin) A branch of medicine that develops ways to diagnose and treat disease by understanding the way genes, proteins, and other…
  28. Monogenic disorder A disorder caused by mutation of a single gene. See also: mutation, polygenic disorder
  29. Monogenic inheritance See: monogenic disorder
  30. Monosomy Possessing only one copy of a particular chromosome instead of the normal two copies. See also cell, chromosome, trisomy
  31. Morbid map A diagram showing the chromosomal location of genes associated with disease.
  32. mouse model The use of special strains of mice to study a human disease or condition, and how to prevent and treat it.
  33. Multifactorial or multigenic disorder See: polygenic disorder
  34. multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN1) A rare inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands, which release hormones into the bloodstream.
  35. Multiplexing A laboratory approach that performs multiple sets of reactions in parallel (simultaneously); greatly increasing speed and throughput.
  36. Murine Organism in the genus Mus. A rat or mouse.
  37. Mutagen (MYOO-tuh-jen) Anything that causes a mutation (a change in the DNA of a cell).
  38. Mutagenicity The capacity of a chemical or physical agent to cause permanent genetic alterations. See also: somatic cell genetic mutation
  39. Mutation (myoo-TAY-shun) Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to…