Genetic Testing Flashcards
Amniocentesis
A test where a small amount of fluid from around the baby is taken to check for genetic problems.
Genetic Counseling
Helping people understand their genetic health and risks, often before having children.
Phenotype
The physical traits you can see, like eye color or height, caused by your genes.
Anneal
When two strands of DNA stick together (bind) after being separated.
Genetic Testing
A test to look at your DNA to find/make changes or mutations that could cause health issues.
Polymerase Chain Reaction
(aka PCR), A method to make lots of copies of a specific piece of DNA.
Chorionic Villus Sampling
(aka CVS), A test to take cells from the placenta to check for genetic problems in the baby.
Genome
The complete set of all the DNA in an organism.
Thermal Cycler
A machine that changes temperatures to help the PCR process in DNA testing.
Denaturation
The process of separating the two strands of DNA during PCR by heating it up.
Genotype
The actual genes you carry, not just what you show on the outside (phenotype)
Restriction Enzyme
A protein that cuts DNA at specific places.
Ultrasonography
A test that uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of the body, often used during pregnancy.
Gene
A small part of DNA that carries instructions for how to make proteins, which determine traits.
Karyotype
A picture of a person’s chromosomes to check for abnormalities, like extra or missing chromosomes.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
(aka SNP), A tiny change in the DNA sequence, where one letter is different from the usual sequence.
