Genetic code
Genetic code: The instructions in a gene that tell the cell how to make a specific protein. A, T, G, and C are the ‘letters’ of the DNA code and represent the chemicals adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, respectively. These make up the nucleotide bases of DNA. Each gene’s code combines these four chemicals in various ways to spell out three-letter ‘words’ that specify which amino acid is needed at every step in making a protein. The discovery of the genetic code ranks as one of the premiere events of biology and medicine.
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- Genetic counseling
An educational counseling process for individuals and families who have a genetic disease or may be at risk for a disease to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Genetic counselor
Genetic counselor: A health professional who has a graduate degree or specialized training in the areas of genetics and genetic counseling.
- Genetic discrimination
Genetic discrimination: The potential use of genetic information to discriminate against people in the workplace, in health insurance, or in any other arena.
- Genetic disease
Genetic disease: A disease caused by an abnormality in an individual’s genome. There are a number of different types of genetic inheritance: Single gene inheritance — Also called Mendelian or monogenic inheritance. This type of inheritance is caused by changes or mutations that occur in the DNA sequence of a single gene. There are more […]
- Genetic immunodeficiency disease
Genetic immunodeficiency disease: See: Primary immunodeficiency disease.