How to screen what is in your genes

Gene

Discrete unit of genetic information that codes for a trait

Genetic Counselor

Health professional that helps patients understand genetic testinig

Genome

All of the DNA in the cell of an organism

Genetic testing

Tests that are used to determine if someone has a genetic disorder

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Used to make copies of DNA from a small amount of genetic material to be used in testing or other applications

Genotype

Genes you inherited by your parents for a trait

Phenotype

The trait you exhibit

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs)

Parts of the DNA code that vary by just a single nucleotide

Restriction Enzymes

Bacterial enzymes that cut DNA at specific sites

Primers

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

Chorionic Villus Sampling

Sample of the placenta is taken and chromosomes are counted

Amniocentesis

Fluid removed from around baby and chromosomes are counted

Karyotype

Visual picture of all of the chromosomes in a nucleus during metaphase

NIPT

Noninvasive prenatal screening that takes a blood sample for mom to look at the baby’s DNA that has crossed the placenta into the blood stream to determine if the baby has the correct number of chromosomes

Gene Therapy

Atteration of your genes using vector to deliver the correct copy of the gene

Vectors

Agent like a plasmid or virus that contains the correct or modified version of the gene and can enter the cell and be used by the cell to make the correct protein

Genome Editing

Promising technique that uses tools in the cell to cut DNA and replace mutated genes

CRISPR

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats system found in bacteria that is used to remove foreign DNA

In vitro fertilization

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

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)

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