PLTW Medical Interventions Glossary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards for the PLTW Medical Interventions course, covering essential terms and definitions.

algorithm

A step-by-step process that performs a computational task.

allele

Any of the alternative forms of a gene that may occur at a given locus.

allocation policies

Rules or policies established by the OPTN to guide organ allocation based on medical criteria.

amino acid

The subunit of a protein.

amniocentesis

A technique for determining genetic abnormalities in a fetus by obtaining a sample of amniotic fluid.

ampicillin

A penicillin effective against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

anesthesia

Loss of sensation and usually of consciousness without loss of vital functions.

anneal

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

antibiotic

A substance able to inhibit or kill another microorganism.

antibiotic resistance

Resistance to one or more antibiotics due to additional genetic information.

antibody

A protein secreted by plasma cells that binds to a specific antigen.

antigen

A foreign macromolecule that elicits an immune response.

apoptosis

Programmed cell death triggered by specific signals.

audiogram

A graphic representation of hearing thresholds at various frequencies.

bacterial transformation

The process by which a cell's genetic makeup is changed by DNA uptake from the environment.

biofeedback

A technique that makes bodily processes perceptible to influence them consciously.

bioinformaticians

Scientists involved in the field of bioinformatics.

bioinformatics

The collection and analysis of biological information using computers.

biopsy

The removal and examination of tissue from the living body.

bone scan

A test to detect abnormalities involving the bone.

BRCA genes

Tumor suppressor genes associated with increased cancer risk.

cancer

A malignant tumor with the potential for unlimited growth.

carrier screening

Examination to detect heterozygotes for serious disorders.

case-control study

An epidemiologic study comparing individuals with and without a disease.

cell cycle

An ordered sequence of events in the life of a eukaryotic cell.

central dogma of molecular biology

The process by which information in genes flows into proteins.

chemotherapy

The use of chemical agents to treat disease.

chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

A technique for diagnosing genetic defects in a fetus.

chromatography

A process for separating chemical mixtures based on their distribution.

clinical trial

A scientifically controlled study of a therapeutic agent using human subjects.

cloning

Making genetically identical individuals using a somatic cell.

cochlear implant

A device that allows recognition of sounds for those with hearing loss.

cohort study

An epidemiologic study following exposed and non-exposed individuals.

column chromatography

A separation technique using a column packed with adsorbent.

computed tomography scan (CT or CAT Scan)

A three-dimensional view of the body constructed by computed tomography.

concentration

The amount of a specified substance in a unit amount of another substance.

conductive hearing loss

Hearing loss due to interference with sound transmission.

conjugation

The one-way transfer of DNA between bacteria.

controlled study

A clinical trial where participants are assigned to test or control groups.

crossmatch

Compatibility testing of donor and recipient blood or tissues.

cryosurgery

Surgery that destroys tissue by freezing.

denaturation

The separation of the two strands of DNA.

diagnostic Imaging

Technologies used to look inside the body for medical conditions.

dialysis

Removing wastes from blood by utilizing diffusion through a membrane.

DNA ligase

An enzyme essential for DNA replication and recombinant DNA techniques.

DNA microarray

A microarray used for identification and analysis of DNA samples.

double blind study

An experimental procedure where neither subjects nor researchers know group assignments.

enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA)

A test for an antibody or antigen based on enzyme activity.

elute

To remove from a substance by washing with a solvent.

end stage renal disease

The final stage of kidney failure with irreversible loss of function.

enzyme

A protein that serves as a catalyst in biochemical reactions.

epidemic

A large number of cases of a disease affecting a population at the same time.

epidemiology

The branch of medicine dealing with the control of disease.

familial cancer

Cancer that occurs in families more often than chance would predict.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Agency responsible for public health and safety of drugs and food.

gel electrophoresis

Technique for separating nucleic acids or proteins based on size and charge.

gene

A discrete unit of hereditary information consisting of a DNA sequence.

gene therapy

The alteration of genes in a person with a genetic disease.

genetic counseling

Communication regarding the risk of genetic disorders in families.

genetic engineering

Direct manipulation of genes for practical purposes.

genetic marker

Alteration in DNA indicating risk of specific diseases.

genetic testing

Methods to determine if an individual has or carries a genetic disorder.

genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material within an organism.

genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

haplotype

A group of alleles on a single chromosome that tend to be inherited together.

hearing aid

An electronic device that amplifies sound for the hearing impaired.

hemodialysis

A process of purifying blood via dialysis.

herd immunity

Resistance within a group against a disease due to immunity.

hereditary cancer

Inherited disorders that significantly increase cancer risk.

histocompatibility

Mutual tolerance between tissues allowing effective grafting.

human leukocyte antigen (HLA)

Molecules that help the immune system recognize foreign cells.

hydrophilic

Having an affinity for water.

hydrophobic

Having an aversion to water.

in vitro

Performed outside a living organism.

in vitro fertilization

Fertilizing gametes in a lab and implanting the zygote.

in vivo

Taking place inside a living organism.

inner ear

The part of the ear essential for hearing and balance.

inoculation

Introducing a pathogen to stimulate antibody production.

insulin

A hormone that regulates blood sugar by facilitating glucose uptake.

iterative

A process that repeats steps until the desired outcome is achieved.

job shadowing

Following a professional to learn about their tasks.

karyotype

A display of chromosome pairs arranged by size and shape.

kidney transplant

The transfer of a kidney from one individual to another.

laparoscope

A fiber optic camera used to visualize the abdominal cavity.

laparoscopy

Minimally invasive surgery using a laparoscope.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A technique producing images based on nuclear resonance.

major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

A family of genes encoding cell surface proteins for antigen presentation.

marker analysis

A technique inferring gene mutations through genetic markers.

medical intervention

Any measure aimed at improving health or altering disease course.

melanoma

A highly malignant tumor starting in melanocytes.

metacognition

The process of monitoring and understanding one’s learning.

metastasis

The spread of disease from the primary site to other body parts.

microsatellite (STR)

Short DNA segments useful in genetic linkage studies.

middle ear

The portion of the ear containing ossicles for sound transmission.

model system

An organism used to study broad biological principles.

myoelectric

Using electricity generated by muscle.

nanomedicine

Biomedical research using tools from nanotechnology.

National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA)

Legislation establishing guidelines for organ transplantation.

nephrectomy

The surgical removal of a kidney.

newborn screening

Testing neonates for metabolic or genetic disorders.