Human Genome terms starting with S

35 terms

  1. Sanger sequencing A widely used method of determining the order of bases in DNA. See also: sequencing, shotgun sequencing
  2. satellite A chromosomal segment that branches off from the rest of the chromosome but is still connected by a thin filament or stalk.
  3. Scaffold The central protein aceous core structure of condensed eukaryotic chromosomes. The scaffold is composed of non-histone chromosomal protein s.
  4. segregation For genes, the separation of allele pairs from one another and their resulting assortment into different cells at meiosis.
  5. sequence The linear order of nucleotides along a DNA or RNA molecule, and the process of obtaining this.
  6. Sequence assembly A process whereby the order of multiple sequenced DNA fragments is determined.
  7. Sequence tagged site (STS) A unique (single-copy) DNA sequence used as a mapping landmark on a chromosome.
  8. Sequencing Determination of the order of nucleotides (base sequences) in a DNA or RNA molecule or the order of amino acids in a protein.
  9. Sequencing technology The instrumentation and procedures used to determine the order of nucleotides in DNA.
  10. severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) A disease affecting the immune system. SCID is fatal if affected individuals do not receive bone marrow transplants. See also antibody
  11. sex chromosome Differentiated chromosome which is responsible for the determination of sex of the individual.
  12. Sex-linked Located on the X chromosome. Sex-linked (or x-linked) diseases are generally seen only in males. See also gene, mutation
  13. Shotgun method Sequencing method that involves randomly sequenced cloned pieces of the genome, with no foreknowledge of where the piece originally came from.
  14. shotgun sequencing An approach used to decode an organism's genome by shredding it into smaller fragments of DNA which can be sequenced individually.
  15. sickle cell disease (SIH-kul sel dih-ZEEZ) An inherited disease in which the red blood cells have an abnormal crescent shape, block small blood vessels, and do not last as…
  16. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) DNA sequence variations that occur when a single nucleotide (A, T, C, or G) in the genome sequence is altered.
  17. single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) Common, but minute, variations that occur in human DNA at a frequency of one every 1,000 bases.
  18. Single-gene disorder Hereditary disorder caused by a mutant allele of a single gene (e.g., Duchenne muscular dystrophy, retinoblastoma, sickle cell disease).
  19. Somatic cell (soh-MA-tik ...) Any of the body cells except the reproductive (germ) cells.
  20. Somatic cell gene therapy The repair or replacement of a defective gene within somatic tissue. (See Somatic cell.)
  21. Somatic cell genetic mutation A change in the genetic structure that is neither inherited nor passed to offspring. Also called acquired mutations. See also: germ line genetic mutation
  22. Somatic cells Cells of body tissues other than the germline.
  23. Southern blot A nitrocellulose or nylon membrane to which DNA fragments previously separated by gel electrophoresis, have been transferred by capillary action.
  24. Southern blotting See Southern hybridization.
  25. Spectral karyotype (SKY) A visualization of all of an organism's chromosomes together, each labeled with a different color.
  26. Splice site Location in the DNA sequence where RNA removes the noncoding areas to form a continuous gene transcript for translation into a protein.
  27. Sporadic cancer Cancer that occurs randomly and is not inherited from parents. Caused by DNA changes in one cell that grows and divides, spreading throughout the body.
  28. Stem cell A cell from which other types of cells develop. For example, blood cells develop from blood-forming stem cells.
  29. Structural genomics The effort to determine the 3D structures of large numbers of proteins using both experimental techniques and computer simulation
  30. substitution Replacement of one nucleotide in a DNA sequence by another nucleotide or replacement of one amino acid in a protein by another amino acid.
  31. suicide gene A strategy for making cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy. One approach has been to link parts of genes expressed in cancer cells to other genes…
  32. Suppressor gene A gene that can suppress the action of another gene.
  33. syndrome (SIN-drome) A set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and suggest the presence of a certain disease or an increased chance of developing the…
  34. Syngeneic (SIN-juh-NAY-ik) Having to do with individuals or tissues that have identical genes.
  35. Synteny The occurrence of two or more loci on the same chromosome, without regard to their genetic linkage.