Click the letters below to jump directly to glossary terms beginning with that letter:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
The following Scientific Terms are defined as follows:
Deletion Map
A description of a specific chromosome that uses defined mutations -specific deleted areas in the genome- as "biochemical signposts," or markers for specific areas.
Diploid
A full set of genetic material, consisting of paired chromosomes one chromosome from each parental set. Most animal cells except the gametes have a diploid set of chromosomes. The diploid human genome has 46 chromosomes.
DNA replication
The use of existing DNA as a template for the synthesis of new DNA strands. In humans and other eukaryotes, replication occurs in the cell nucleus.
Domain
A discrete portion of a protein with its own function. The combination of domains in a single protein determines its overall function.
Double helix
The shape that two linear strands of DNA assume when bonded together.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
The chemical that forms the basis of the genetic material in virtually all living organisms. Structurally, DNA is composed of two strands that intertwine to form a spring-like structure called the double helix. Each strand is formed by a backbone of deoxyribose sugar molecules linked by phosphate residues. Attached to each backbone are chemical structures called bases, which protrude away from the backbone towards the center of the helix, and which come in four types - Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, and Thymine (designated A, C, G and T). Each strand of DNA has a series of Gs, As, Ts and Cs attached to its backbone. It is the sequence of these bases that forms the code which is translated by cellular machinery to create a new protein.