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Glossary

Showing 491-500 out of 1156 Terms

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  • Genetic testing

    (jeh-NEH-tik TES-ting)

    The process of analyzing cells or tissues to look for genetic changes that may be a sign of a disease or condition, such as cancer. These changes may be a sign that a person has an increased risk of developing a specific disease or condition.

  • Genetics

    jeh-NEH-tix

    The study of genes and heredity. Heredity is the passing of genetic information and traits (such as eye color and an increased chance of getting a certain disease) from parents to offspring.

  • Genitals

    (JEH-nih-tuls)

    Refers to the genitalia (external and internal sex organs and glands).

  • Genome

    The complete set of DNA (genetic material) in an organism. In people, almost every cell in the body contains a complete copy of the genome. The genome contains all of the information needed for a person to develop and grow. Studying the genome may help researchers understand how different types of cancer form and respond to treatment. This may lead to new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent cancer.

  • Genomics

    The study of the complete set of DNA (including all of its genes) in a person or other organism. Almost every cell in a person’s body contains a complete copy of the genome. The genome contains all the information needed for a person to develop and grow. Studying the genome may help researchers understand how genes interact with each other and with the environment and how certain diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, form. This may lead to new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease.

  • Germ

    (jerm)

    A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause infection and disease.

  • Germ cell

    (jerm sel)

    A reproductive cell of the body. Germ cells are egg cells in females and sperm cells in males.

  • Germ cell tumor

    jerm sel TOO-mer

    A type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. Germ cell tumors can occur almost anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant.

  • Germinoma

    (JER-mih-NOH-muh)

    A type of tumor that begins in germ cells (cells that form sperm or eggs).

  • Germline Mutation

    (JERM-line myoo-TAY-shun)

    A gene change in a body's reproductive cell (egg or sperm) that becomes incorporated into the DNA of every cell in the body of the offspring. Germline mutations are passed on from parents to offspring. Also called germline variant.