2024_11_07_nutrigenetics_and_nutrigenomics

Nutrigenetics

The study of the effect of genetic variation on how different individuals respond to specific food components.

Nutrigenomics

The study of how nutrients impact gene expression and how food interacts with genes.

SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism)

A single base pair variation in the DNA sequence that is common in the population and can affect individual traits.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, composed of the allele combinations they possess.

Phenotype

The observable physical property of an organism, which is influenced by both genotype and environmental factors.

Apolipoprotein E (Apo E)

A protein involved in lipid metabolism that has three major polymorphic forms: Apo E2, Apo E3, and Apo E4.

Gene expression

The process by which the information in a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, typically proteins.

Personalized Nutrition

An approach to diet and nutrition that considers individual genetic profiles to tailor dietary recommendations.

Transcription factors

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of genes.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to altered gene function or expression.

Allele

One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.

Gene-diet compatibility

The relationship between an individual's genetic make-up and the effects of dietary choices on their health.

Cholesterol

A type of fat found in the blood that is necessary for building cells but can also lead to cardiovascular diseases when present in excess.

Dietary intervention

A strategy that involves modifying diet in order to improve health outcomes or manage diseases.

Beta-oxidation

A metabolic process that breaks down fatty acids to generate acetyl-CoA for use in the citric acid cycle.

Hydroxytyrosol

A polyphenol compound found in olive oil with potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Plasma lipids

Fats and fat-like substances found in the blood, important for energy storage and cell structure.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

A type of cholesterol often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol, which can lead to the buildup of plaques in arteries.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Nutrient metabolism

The biochemical processes through which organisms utilize nutrients from food to maintain biological functions.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells with the same genetic material.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of gametes (sperm and eggs).