Genome Project Vocab

molecules -- the smallest bit of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms

gene -- what makes you look like your parents. A gene is a specific sequence of DNA inherited from your parents that controls transmission and expression of one or more traits (like green eyes).

DNA -- is the basic hereditary material in all cells and contains all the information necessary to make proteins. In technical terms, it's a linear polymer made up of nucleotide units.

nucleic acids -- extremely complex molecules produced by living cells and viruses. Their name comes from their initial isolation from the nuclei of living cells.

nucleotides -- The nucleotide unit consists of a base, a deoxyribose sugar, and a phosphate. These are the building blocks of nucleic acids.

chromosome -- a threadlike package of genes in the center of a cell. Different organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs.

deoxyribose -- a type of sugar molecule.

adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T), cytosine (C) -- These are organic bases, You will usually find Thymine and Adenine in pairs, and Guanine and Cytosine in pairs.

cell -- basic unit of a living organism. A small watery component filled with chemicals and a complete copy of a organism's genome.

genome -- the genetic material of an organism.

amino acids-- twenty substances that are necessary for combining proteins. Proteins are large molecules that control the chemical reactions necessary for the maintenance of life.

pharmaceutical companies -- manufacturers of medicine and other products you'd find in a drug store

epilepsy -- a disorder that can result in convulsive attacks usually with clouding of consciousness

diabetes -- a disease that messes with the body's ability to process parts of food. Symptoms include high levels of sugar in the blood, thirst, hunger, and loss of weight

asthma -- an allergic reaction that makes it hard to breathe and causes attacks of coughing or gasping

migraine headaches -- a severe headache often with nausea and vomiting

executive order -- an order from the president that does not have to be agreed to by the Congress, but can be overturned by the Supreme Court.