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Physical Mutagen:

• Definition: A mutagenic agent that causes damage to DNA structure.

Chemical Mutagen:

• Definition: A mutagenic agent that introduces chemical changes to DNA.

Carcinogenic:

• Definition: Having the potential to cause cancer.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA):

• Definition: DNA located in the mitochondria, inherited maternally.

Genetic Engineering:

• Definition: The manipulation of genes for practical purposes.

Recombinant DNA:

• Definition: DNA formed by combining DNA from different sources.

Restriction Enzyme:

• Definition: An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sequences.

Restriction Endonuclease:

• Definition: An enzyme that cleaves DNA at specific internal sites.

Restriction Fragment:

• Definition: A DNA fragment produced by the action of a restriction enzyme.

Gel Electrophoresis:

• Definition: A technique for separating DNA fragments based on size.

DNA Fingerprint:

• Definition: A unique pattern of DNA fragments used for identification.

Biotechnology:

• Definition: The use of biological systems, organisms, or derivatives for practical purposes.

DNA Microarray:

• Definition: A technology used to measure the expression levels of a large number of genes simultaneously.

Copy DNA (cDNA):

• Definition: DNA synthesized from a messenger RNA (mRNA) template.

Transgenic:

• Definition: An organism that contains genetic material from another species.

Bioremediation:

• Definition: The use of living organisms to clean up environmental pollution.

Clone:

• Definition: A group of genetically identical organisms or cells.

Ultrasound:

• Definition: Sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper limit of human hearing, often used for medical imaging.

Amniocentesis:

• Definition: A prenatal diagnostic test involving the extraction of amniotic fluid for genetic analysis.

Chorionic Villi Sampling:

• Definition: A prenatal diagnostic test involving the sampling of chorionic villi for genetic analysis.

Genetic Marker:

• Definition: A specific gene or DNA sequence used to identify a particular location on a chromosome.

DNA Probe:

• Definition: A labeled segment of DNA used to locate a specific sequence in a DNA sample.

Gene Therapy:

• Definition: The introduction of genes into an individual's cells to treat or prevent a disease.

DNA Vector:

• Definition: A vehicle used to transfer foreign genetic material into a target cell.

Somatic Gene Therapy:

• Definition: Gene therapy targeted at non-reproductive cells.

Germ-Line Therapy:

• Definition: Gene therapy targeted at reproductive cells, with potential hereditary effects.