The terms and descriptions provided in this glossary have been completed with the help of several sources:

• National Human Genome Research Institute - Talking Glossary,
• Human Genome Project Information,
• PhRMA Genomics, and the
• Word Central's Student Dictionary (Merriam Webster).

Sources are listed with the definitions.

AB

A, T, C, G

Symbols for the bases adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.

Allele

Alternate forms of a gene at a particular location on a chromosome. Different alleles produce variation in inherited traits such as hair colour or blood type. In an individual, one form of the allele (the dominant one) may be expressed more than another form (the recessive one). [Talking Glossary]

Amino acid

Different kinds of small molecules that link together in long chains to form proteins, amino acids are often referred to as the "building blocks" of proteins. [Talking Glossary]

Amniocentesis

A prenatal test in which a hollow needle is inserted into the uterus to obtain some of the fluid surrounding a foetus (baby). The cells are examined to determine the sex of the baby, or to find abnormalities in the chromosomes.

Antibody

Antibodies help the body develop immunity to disease. Blood proteins are produced in response to a disease and help the body fight against the particular disease. [Talking Glossary]

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

A compound that occurs widely in living tissue and serves as a major source of energy.
Source : Word Central's Student Dictionary

Autosome

Any chromosome other than a sex chromosome; humans have 22 pairs of autosomes. [Talking Glossary]

Bacteria

Very small, single-celled life forms that can reproduce quickly. Bacteria are found throughout nature and can be beneficial or destructive. [Talking Glossary]

Base

A DNA nucleotide is made of a molecule of sugar, a molecule of phosphoric acid, and a molecule called a base. The bases are the "letters" that spell out the genetic code. In DNA, the code letters are A, T, C, and G, which stand for the chemicals adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine, respectively. In base pairing, adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine. [Talking Glossary]

Biodiversity

The biological variety in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals.
Source : Word Central's Student Dictionary

Biotechnology

The application of biological science; especially the use of genetic techniques to combine DNA from different sources into one organism in order to produce useful products (as drugs).
Source : Word Central's Student Dictionary

BRCA1/BRCA2

The first breast cancer genes to be identified. Mutated forms of these genes are believed to be responsible for about half the cases of inherited breast cancer, especially those that occur in younger women. Both are tumour suppressor genes. [Talking Glossary]