Vocab Flashcards
(28 cards)
Amniocentesis
A technique for determining genetic abnormalities in a fetus by the presence of certain chemicals or defective fetal cells in the amniotic fluid, obtained by aspiration from a needle inserted into the uterus
Anneal
To be capable of combining with complementary nucleic acid by a process of heating and cooling
Carrier screening
Indiscriminate examination of members of a population to detect heterozygotes for serious disorders
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
A technique for diagnosing genetic and congenital defects in a fetus by removing and analyzing a sample of the fetal portion of the placenta
Denaturation
In DNA, the separation of the two strands of the double helix.
Gene
A discrete unit of hereditary information consisting of a specific nucleotide sequence of DNA
Genetic counseling
A process of communication that deals with the occurrence or risk that a genetic disorder will occur in a family
Genetic testing
The use of methods to determine if someone has a genetic disorder, will develop one, or is a carrier
Genome
The complement of an organism’s genes; an organisms genetic material
Genotype
The genetic makeup of an organism
Karyotype
A display of the chromosome pairs of a cell arranged by size and shape
Newborn screening
The analysis of a neonate’s blood for metabolic or genetic disorders to prevent mental retardation, disability or death
Phenotype
The physical and physiological traits of an organism
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
A technique that involves copying short pieces of DNA and then making millions of copies in a short period of time
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
In assisted reproductive technology, the determination of genetic abnormalities in the embryo before it is transferred to the uterus
Primer
A short piece of DNA or RNA that is complementary to a section of template strand and acts as an attachment and starting point for the synthesis strand during DNA replication
Restriction enzyme
A degradative enzyme that recognizes specific nucleotide sequences and cuts up DNA.
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
One base-pair variation in the genome sequence
Supernatant
The (usually) clear liquid left behind after a precipitate has been spun down to the bottom of a vessel by centrifugation
Taq polymerase
A DNA synthesis enzyme that can withstand the high temperatures of PCR
Thermal cycler
An instrument that automatically cycles through different temperatures used to complete PCR reactions
Ultrasonography
A noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities
Cloning
Using a somatic or body cell from a multicellular organism to make one or more genetically identical individuals
Gene therapy
The alteration of the genes of a person afflicted with a genetic disease
