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DNA methylation
DNA methylation A biochemical process involving the addition of chemical tags called methyl groups (-CH3) to DNA. Methylation can be a signal for a gene or a section of a chromosome to turn off gene expression and become inactive or "silent".
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Biochemical
Relating to biochemistry, the application of the tools and concepts of chemistry to living systems.
DNA
Deoxyribo-Nucleic acid. DNA molecules carry the genetic information necessary for the organization and functioning of most living cells and control the inheritance of characteristics.
Methylation
A biochemical process involving the addition of chemical tags called methyl groups (-CH3) to DNA. Methylation can be a signal for a gene or a section of a chromosome to turn off gene expression and become inactive or "silent".
Gene
1. A unit of DNA that carries information for the biosynthesis of a specific product in the cell. 2. Ultimate unit by which inheritable characteristics are transmitted to succeeding generations in all living organisms. Genes are contained by, and arranged along the length of, the chromosome. The gene is composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Each chromosome of each species has a definite number and arrangement of genes, which govern both the structure and metabolic functions of the cells and thus of the entire organism.
Chromosome
A structural unit within a eukaryotic nucleus that carries genes. A chromosome consists of a long, continuous strand of DNA and associated proteins.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
Any of various acids that are found in cell nuclei and are the principal components of chromosomes; the molecular basis of heredity.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
A chemical substance in plant and animal cells that tells the cells what to do and when to do it. DNA is the information about what each person inherits from his or her parents.
DNA amplification
The production of multiple copies of a sequence of DNA. Repeated copying of a piece of DNA. DNA amplification plays a role in cancer cells. A tumor cell amplifies, or copies, DNA segments as a result of cell signals and sometimes environmental events. Amplification can occur in vivo (in the living individual) or in vitro (literally "in glass", or in a plastic vessel in the laboratory).
DNA assembly
The process of putting fragments of DNA that have been sequenced into their correct chromosomal positions. The pieces of DNA are assembled to reconstitute the sequence of the chromosome from which they came.
DNA cloning
The use of DNA manipulation procedures to produce multiple copies of a single gene or segment of DNA.
DNA forensics
The application of DNA technology and the knowledge of DNA genetics to the practice of forensic medicine and to the power of legal medicine. Crime scene investigation has been markedly changed -- some would say revolutionized -- by the advent of DNA forensics. This has led to the invention of devices for DNA forensics. One is a plate of glass about the size of a hand is etched with very thin channels and reservoirs. A minute sample of DNA is moved between reservoir and channel through timed electric pulses. These thin channels then act like capillary tubes and can resolve the constituents of this minute sample of DNA. At the crime scene, the forensic technician can perform the PCR reactions for DNA fingerprinting and immediately resolve the samples on the glass plate. What normally would take more than a day, once the sample is taken to the laboratory, now takes only a few hours at the crime scene.
DNA molecules, recombinant
A combination of DNA molecules of different origin that are joined using recombinant DNA technology.
DNA polymerase
Enzyme that catalyzes (speeds) the polymerization of DNA. DNA polymerase uses preexisting nucleic acid templates and assembles the DNA from deoxyribonucleotides.
DNA repair
The body has a series of special enzymes to repair mutations (changes) in the DNA and restore the DNA to its original state. The DNA in genes is constantly mutating and being repaired. This repair process is controlled by special genes. A mutation in a DNA repair gene can cripple the repair process and cause a cascade of unrepaired mutations in the genome that lead to cancer.
DNA repair gene
A gene engaged in DNA repair. When a DNA repair gene is impaired, mutations pile up throughout the DNA. The DNA in genes is constantly mutating and being repaired. This repair process is controlled by special genes. A mutation in a DNA repair gene can cripple the repair process and cause a cascade of unrepaired mutations in the genome that lead to cancer.
DNA repair gene, Med1
A gene that codes for one of the key enzymes involved in repairing DNA. The DNA in genes is constantly mutating and being repaired. This repair process is controlled by special genes. A mutation in a DNA repair gene such as Med1 can cripple the repair process and cause a cascade of unrepaired mutations in the genome that lead to cancer.
DNA repair pathway
The sequence of steps in the repair of DNA. Each step is governed by an enzyme.
DNA replication
A wondrous complex process whereby the ("parent") strands of DNA in the double helix are separated and each one is copied to produce a new ("daughter") strand. This process is said to be "semi-conservative" since one of each parent strand is conserved and remains intact after replication has taken place.
DNA sequence
The precise ordering of the bases (A,T,G,C) from which the DNA is composed. DNA sequencing involves determining the exact order of the base pairs in a segment of DNA.
DNA sequence, draft
Sequence of a DNA with less accuracy than a finished sequence. In a draft sequence, some segments are missing or are in the wrong order or are oriented incorrectly. A draft sequence is as opposed to a finished DNA sequence.
DNA sequence, finished
A DNA sequence in which the bases are identified to an accuracy of no more than 1 error in 10,000 and are placed in the right order and orientation along a chromosome with almost no gaps. A finished sequence is as opposed to a draft DNA sequence.
DNA technology, recombinant
A series of procedures used to join together (recombine) DNA segments. A recombinant DNA molecule is constructed (recombined) from segments from 2 or more different DNA molecules. Under certain conditions, a recombinant DNA molecule can enter a cell and replicate there, autonomously (on its own) or after it has become integrated into a chromosome.
DNA virus
A virus in which the genetic material is DNA rather than RNA. The DNA may be either double- or single-stranded. Major groups of double-stranded DNA viruses (class I viruses) include the adenoviruses, the herpes viruses, and the poxviruses. Major groups of single-stranded DNA viruses (class II viruses) include the parvoviruses and coliphages.
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Donor insemination
Or Artificial insemination (AI. Deposition of sperm from a male donor inside a female reproductive tract for the purpose of achieving pregnancy.
Differentiated
Having developed into a specialized cell or tissue type
.
Differentiation
The process whereby an unspecialized early embryonic cell or stem cell acquires the features of a specialized cell, such as a heart, liver, or muscle cell.
Diploid
Refers to a cell having two sets of chromosomes (in humans, 46 chromosomes). In contrast, a haploid cell, such as a gamete, has only one set of chromosomes (23 in humans).
DNA methylation
Deficiency diseases
Any disorder caused by a lack of essential nutrients.
Delivery room
A room in a hospital equipped for childbirth.
DES
A synthetic form of estrogen once given to women to prevent miscarriage. Discovered in the late 1960s to have serious side effects, including cancer, infertility, and miscarriage.
Developmental milestones
Major and minor social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills acquiredby children as they grow up.
Diaphragmatic hernia
A hole in the diaphragm that allows abdominal contents to push into thechest cavity. In severe instances, a baby's stomach and part of the large intestines will displace the heart and lungs, requiring emergency surgery.
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