Genetics and Molecular Biology Terms

DNA replication is the cellular process that copies a cell's entire DNA sequence before it divides into two daughter cells.

A protein on the surface of certain cells that binds another protein called TRAIL, which may kill some cancer cells.

A protein on the surface of certain cells that binds another protein called TRAIL, which may kill some cancer cells.

Written in lower case as eGFR the same four letters mean an estimate of kidney function, an entirely unrelated measurement.

An enzyme is a specialized protein that speeds up a specific chemical reaction in the body without being consumed or permanently changed by it.

The protein found on the surface of some cells and to which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the cells to divide.

Describes cells that do not have a protein to which the hormone estrogen will bind.

The closest ring of biological family, parents, siblings and children, who share about half their genes with a given person.

A gene made by joining parts of two different genes.

A protein made from a fusion gene, which is created by joining parts of two different genes.

Few traits trace back to a single gene, which is why most inherited risk is spread thinly across a great many of them.

An increase in the number of copies of a gene.

The loss of all or a part of a gene.

Gene expression is the multistep process converting a gene's DNA sequence into RNA and, often, a functional protein, and its level can be measured directly.

Information about all messenger RNAs that are made in various cell types.

Cells that have been altered to contain different genetic material than they originally contained.

Genetic and hereditary are not synonyms, since every cancer is genetic in origin while only a small share of cancers are inherited.

The study of a sample of DNA to look for mutations (changes) that may increase risk of disease or affect the way a person responds to treatment.

A communication process between a specially trained health professional and a person concerned about the genetic risk of disease.

A signpost on a chromosome, useful because its position is known, whether or not it does anything at all.