Genetics and Molecular Biology Terms
Genes, chromosomes, DNA, RNA, proteins, and molecular processes relevant to health. Browse definitions and meanings below.
What is genetics?
Genetics is the study of genes, heredity and variation between individuals. Molecular biology sits alongside it and examines the same material at closer range, looking at how DNA is copied, read and translated into proteins.
Two distinctions cause most of the early confusion. A gene is a stretch of DNA carrying instructions, while an allele is one of its alternative versions. Genotype is the genetic makeup an individual carries; phenotype is the observable result.
Terms in this topic
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AAP most often abbreviates alanine aminopeptidase, a kidney tubular enzyme measured in urine, though the identical letters separately denote a well known pediatric professional organization.
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AFP is the abbreviation for alpha-fetoprotein, a substance produced by a fetus and used as both a prenatal screening marker and a tumor marker.
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An enzyme that is normally found in healthy kidneys.
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Alanine transferase is a liver enzyme, commonly abbreviated ALT, whose elevated blood level often signals injury to liver cells.
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Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein made by a developing fetus, used both in prenatal screening and as a marker for certain cancers in adults.
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An amino acid sequence is the specific order of amino acids in a protein, determined by the corresponding gene.
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Amylase is an enzyme that breaks starch down into smaller sugars and is produced mainly by the salivary glands and pancreas.
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Describes cells that have a protein that binds to androgens (male hormones).
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A short synthetic strand designed to pair with one chosen message inside a cell and either destroy it or reroute it.
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A protein found on some tumor cells.
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A protein that helps control whether a cell lives or dies by blocking a type of cell death called apoptosis.
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A gene formed when pieces of chromosomes 9 and 22 break off and trade places.
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A protein made from pieces of two genes that get joined together.
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A protein involved in autophagy (the process by which a cell destroys proteins and other substances in its cytoplasm).
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A gene therapy agent that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
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A gene that makes a protein called B-RAF, which is involved in sending signals in cells and in cell growth.
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A gene on chromosome 17 that normally helps to suppress cell growth.
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A gene on chromosome 13 that normally helps to suppress cell growth.
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An enzyme that is involved in many cell processes, such as cell division.
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A protein involved in normal cell growth.