We Can't Say Them Either

 

We find that it's easier to read and follow text when technical words are defined and a prounciation key is provided.

Please use this glossary to better understand this site.

 

Allele - The alternative form of a genetic trait at a specific point on the chromosome

Antigen - Any substance that the body percieves as foreign

Apoptosis (ay' pu toh sis) - A series of genetically programmed events leading to cell death

Carcinoma - The most common type of cancerous tumor, occuring in the epithelial cells.

Centrifuge - A device that spins a sample around a central axis at a high rate of speed that creates a centrifugal force. It's used to separate mixtures of suspended material.

Chemotherapy (kee mo th er' apee) - Treatment of cancer with drugs that are designed to kill the abnormal cells

Clone - (in this case) to create specificly a duplicate DNA by artifical means

Collagen - A fibrous tissue found in bone and connective tissue

Control - Part of an experiment in which the variable is not changed; it is used to compare and contrast results

DNA - Deoxyribonucleic Acid; the fundamental heredity material of all living things

Enzyme - A protein that is formed to start a chemical reaction

Epithelial - having to do with the layer of cells that cover or line and external surface or cavity.

Fibronectin - proteins recognized by integrins to interact with collagen

Heterogeneous (Het er aw' gen us) - Containing more than one type, but separated

Incubation - A period of time where a sample is kept in a warm place.

Integrin - Proteins with alpha and beta subunits that bind to cells to communicate actions to them

Kinase (Kye' nase) - An enzyme that is important in regulating cell functions

Oncologist - A doctor that specializes in cancer research and treatment

Plasmid - A DNA molecule that can replicate independently of the chromosome; often used in cell regulation

Phosphorylation (Fos for i la shun) - The addition of a phosphate group

RNA - Ribonucleic Acid; used in transcription and translation of DNA

Signal transduction - A stimulation is sent to a cell and is translated into a response

Somatic - Any type of cell that doesn't make egg or sperm

Transfection - Uptake, incorporation, and expression of recombinant DNA

Vector - A plasmid that carries an inserted piece of DNA into a bacterium for cloning purposes