Vocab

Question 1

Amniocentesis

Answer 1

A technique for determining genetic abnormalities in a fetus by the presence of certain chemicals or defective fetal cells in the amniotic fluid, obtained by aspiration from a needle inserted into the uterus

Question 2

Anneal

Answer 2

To be capable of combining with complementary nucleic acid by a process of heating and cooling

Question 3

Carrier screening

Answer 3

Indiscriminate examination of members of a population to detect heterozygotes for serious disorders

Question 4

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Answer 4

A technique for diagnosing genetic and congenital defects in a fetus by removing and analyzing a sample of the fetal portion of the placenta

Question 5

Denaturation

Answer 5

In DNA, the separation of the two strands of the double helix.

Question 6

Gene

Answer 6

A discrete unit of hereditary information consisting of a specific nucleotide sequence of DNA

Question 7

Genetic counseling

Answer 7

A process of communication that deals with the occurrence or risk that a genetic disorder will occur in a family

Question 8

Genetic testing

Answer 8

The use of methods to determine if someone has a genetic disorder, will develop one, or is a carrier

Question 9

Genome

Answer 9

The complement of an organism’s genes; an organisms genetic material

Question 10

Genotype

Answer 10

The genetic makeup of an organism

Question 11

Karyotype

Answer 11

A display of the chromosome pairs of a cell arranged by size and shape

Question 12

Newborn screening

Answer 12

The analysis of a neonate’s blood for metabolic or genetic disorders to prevent mental retardation, disability or death

Question 13

Phenotype

Answer 13

The physical and physiological traits of an organism

Question 14

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Answer 14

A technique that involves copying short pieces of DNA and then making millions of copies in a short period of time

Question 15

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Answer 15

In assisted reproductive technology, the determination of genetic abnormalities in the embryo before it is transferred to the uterus

Question 16

Primer

Answer 16

A short piece of DNA or RNA that is complementary to a section of template strand and acts as an attachment and starting point for the synthesis strand during DNA replication

Question 17

Restriction enzyme

Answer 17

A degradative enzyme that recognizes specific nucleotide sequences and cuts up DNA.

Question 18

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)

Answer 18

One base-pair variation in the genome sequence

Question 19

Supernatant

Answer 19

The (usually) clear liquid left behind after a precipitate has been spun down to the bottom of a vessel by centrifugation

Question 20

Taq polymerase

Answer 20

A DNA synthesis enzyme that can withstand the high temperatures of PCR

Question 21

Thermal cycler

Answer 21

An instrument that automatically cycles through different temperatures used to complete PCR reactions

Question 22

Ultrasonography

Answer 22

A noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities

Question 23

Cloning

Answer 23

Using a somatic or body cell from a multicellular organism to make one or more genetically identical individuals

Question 24

Gene therapy

Answer 24

The alteration of the genes of a person afflicted with a genetic disease

Question 25

In Vitro Fertilization

Answer 25

A procedure in which gametes are fertilized in a dish in the laboratory, and the resulting zygote is implanted in the uterus for development

Question 26

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Answer 26

In assisted reproductive technology, the determination of genetic abnormalities in the embryo before it is transferred to the uterus

Question 27

Sex selection

Answer 27

Methods used to predetermine or diagnose the sex of an embryo for the purpose of selecting only those embryos of a particular sex for transplanting to the uterus of a woman

Question 28

Vector

Answer 28

An agent (as a plasmid or virus) that contains or carries modified genetic material and can be used to introduce extra genes into the genome of an organism