Drug Discovery and Development

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in molecular biology related to drug discovery and development.

Central Dogma

The process by which genetic information is transferred from DNA to RNA to protein through transcription and translation.

Molecular Biology

The study of biological macromolecules, their reactions, interactions, and the molecular basis of genetics, including DNA, RNA, and gene expression.

Genotype

The genetic constitution or makeup of an individual, inherited from parents.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an individual, determined by genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic Polymorphisms

Variations in DNA sequences among individuals which can lead to different traits or predispositions for certain diseases.

Genetic Disorders

Diseases caused by abnormalities in the genome, which can be congenital or acquired.

Point Mutations

A mutation affecting a single nucleotide, which can result in silent, missense, or nonsense mutations.

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS)

Studies that collect large datasets on individuals' genetic makeup to find associations between genetic variations and diseases.

Transcriptome

The complete set of mRNA molecules expressed in a cell or organism at a certain time.

Proteome

The complete set of proteins expressed by a cell, tissue, or organism, often analyzed for function and expression changes.

Mass Spectrometry

An analytical technique used to measure the mass and structure of biomolecules, providing information on molecular composition.

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Advanced sequencing technologies allowing rapid sequencing of DNA and RNA, facilitating genomic research.

Recombinant DNA Techniques

Methods used to create new DNA sequences by combining DNA from different sources, enabling the production of proteins.

Pharmacogenomics

The study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs, allowing personalized medicine approaches.

Omics

The collective term for fields of study in biology ending in 'omics,' such as genomics and proteomics, focusing on large-scale data sets.

Biomarkers

Biological molecules that indicate a biological state, used for disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Target Identification

The process of determining potential drug targets in biological systems based on differences between healthy and diseased states.

Overexpression

The process of increasing the production of a specific protein within a cell, often through genetic engineering.

Gene Knockout

A genetic technique used to disable a gene to study its function and the effects on the organism.

RNA Interference (RNAi)

A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, effectively silencing targeted genes.