Private mutation
A rare gene mutation that is usually found only in a single family or a small population. A private mutation occurs and is passed to a few family members, but not to future generations.
Read Also:
- PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)
A kind of laser eye surgery designed to change the shape of the cornea to eliminate (or reduce) the need for glasses and contact lenses. The laser is used to remove the outer layer of the cornea and flatten the cornea. The flattening of the cornea is intended to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism (uneven […]
- Pro-
A combining form (from both Greek and Latin) with many meanings including “before, in front of, preceding, on behalf of, in place of, and the same as.” Used as a word, pro of course means professional and, in medicine, it is short for prothrombin.
- Probability
The likelihood that something will happen. For example, a probability of less than .05 indicates that the likelihood of something occurring by chance alone is less than 5 in 100, or 5 percent. This level of probability is usually taken as the level of biologic significance, so a higher incidence may be considered meaningful. Abbreviated […]
- Proband
The family member through whom a family’s medical history comes to attention. For example, a proband might be a baby with Down syndrome. The proband may also be called the index case, propositus (if male), or proposita (if female).
- Probe
In molecular genetics, a probe is a labeled bit of DNA or RNA used to find its complementary sequence or locate a particular clone.