| DNA |
Deoxyribonucleic Acid |
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the carrier of genetic information: a double-helix molecule built from the four bases A, T, C and G. |
| Gene |
Gene |
A segment of DNA that encodes a functional product (usually a protein); the basic unit of inheritance. |
| Allele |
Allele |
A different version of a gene at the same locus; an individual carries two alleles at each locus. |
| Genotype |
Genotype |
The combination of alleles an individual carries at a particular gene locus. |
| Phenotype |
Phenotype |
The observable characteristics an individual shows, determined by genotype and environment together. |
| Genetic Marker |
Genetic Marker |
A variant site in the genome that can be detected, used for genotyping, individual identification and relationship analysis. |
| STR |
Short Tandem Repeat |
A short tandem repeat sequence whose repeat number varies greatly between individuals, used to build DNA fingerprints. |
| SNP |
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism |
A variation at a single base in the genome; an important genetic basis for differences in traits. |
| PCR |
Polymerase Chain Reaction |
A technique for amplifying a specific DNA fragment in vitro. |
| qPCR |
Real-time Quantitative PCR |
Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, a technique that quantifies a target nucleic acid in real time through a fluorescent signal. |
| Genome |
Genome |
The sum of all the genetic information of an organism. |
| Chromosome |
Chromosome |
The carrier of genetic material, made up of DNA and protein. |
| Quantitative Trait |
Quantitative Trait |
A trait influenced by many genes and by the environment together, showing a continuous distribution. |
| Heritability |
Heritability |
The proportion of phenotypic variation explained by genetic factors. |
| Polymorphism |
Polymorphism |
The phenomenon of several alleles existing at the same gene locus within a population. |
| Dominant |
Dominant |
An allele whose trait is expressed even in the heterozygous state. |
| Recessive |
Recessive |
An allele whose trait is expressed only in the homozygous state. |
| Parentage Testing |
Parentage Testing |
A method of confirming the parent-offspring relationship between individuals by analysing genetic markers. |
| DNA Fingerprint |
DNA Fingerprint |
An individual-specific genetic profile built from several genetic markers. |
| Genotyping |
Genotyping |
The process of detecting an individual's genotype at a particular gene locus. |
| Homozygote |
Homozygote |
An individual whose two alleles at a gene locus are identical (for example AA, aa). |
| Heterozygote |
Heterozygote |
An individual whose two alleles at a gene locus differ (for example Aa). |
| Mendelian Inheritance |
Mendelian Inheritance |
The inheritance rules revealed by Mendel, including the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment. |
| Candidate Gene |
Candidate Gene |
A gene that, on the basis of functional reasoning, may be related to a trait and needs further validation. |
| Epigenetics |
Epigenetics |
Heritable changes in the regulation of gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence. |
| Genetic Marker |
Genetic Marker |
A variant site in the genome that can be detected, used for genotyping and individual identification. |