Glossary-omics
The study of genetics began centuries ago, but until recently the
field and its terminology were familiar to only a few researchers
and physicians. In the 1990s, an explosion of technology and discoveries
of disease-specific genes propelled the esoteric language of genetics
into everyday usage.
The rapid introduction of terms has outpaced the public’s
familiarity with even the general concepts of genetics. For example,
Francis Collins, MD, PhD, head of the National Human Genome Research
Institute, recently announced a new undertaking to identify the
clusters of genes that are most commonly shared by peoples throughout
the world. The term he used to describe these commonly shared blocks
of genes is “haplotype.”
Following are some of the most common research terms that you will
find used in this issue of IU Medicine. Our definitions meld those
of the NHGRI and our own faculty.
Amino acids
Approximately twenty different kinds of small molecules
that link together in long chains to form proteins. Often referred
to as the building blocks
of proteins.
Gene expression
The process by which proteins are made from the instructions encoded
in a gene’s DNA.Gene amplification | The laboratory process
that increases the number of copies of a specific gene or a particular
piece of DNA.
Genome
The entire DNA contained in an organism or a cell, including
the chromosomes found in the cell’s nucleus and the DNA found
in the cell’s mitochondria, the main energy source of a cell.
Genomics
The study of activities and functions of a cell’s or an organism’s
genes.
Genotype
The genetic make-up of a person.
Microarray technology
The study of large numbers of genes very quickly by using advanced
computers and software programs connected to a scanning microscope.
Traditional slides and labels are used to prepare the DNA for scanning;
advanced technology has accelerated the process.
Pharmacogenomics
The study of how an individual’s genetic inheritance
affects the body’s response to drugs.
Phenotype
An individual’s physical characteristics such as hair color,
height or state of health. These traits are not necessarily genetically
based.
Proteins
Complex molecules made by genes that give structure to our organs,
bones and muscles. Often called the building blocks of tissues.
Proteome
All of the proteins produced from all the genes of a genome.
Proteomics
The study of activities and functions of the proteins in cells and
in organisms.
Transgenic model
An organism that carries another organism’s DNA throughout
its genome. Typically, the foreign DNA has been introduced during
the organism’s embryonic stage.
For more information about these and other terms, visit the Talking
Glossary of the National Human Genome Research Institute at www.genome.gov/glossary.cfm.
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