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Glossary

Showing 481-490 out of 1154 Terms

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  • Gene therapy

    jeen THAYR-uh-pee

    A type of experimental treatment in which foreign genetic material (DNA or RNA) is inserted into a person's cells to prevent or fight disease. Gene therapy is being studied in the treatment of certain types of cancer.

  • General anesthesia

    JEH-neh-rul A-nes-THEE-zhuh

    A temporary loss of feeling and a complete loss of awareness that feels like a very deep sleep. It is caused by special drugs or other substances called anesthetics. General anesthesia keeps patients from feeling pain during surgery or other procedures.

  • Generic

    (jeh-NAYR-ik)

    Official nonbrand names by which medicines are known. Generic names usually refer to the chemical name of the drug.

  • Genes

    (jeenz)

    Pieces of DNA that serve as the instructions to tell the cells of the body how to function. Most cells of the body have 2 copies of each gene, one passed down (inherited) from the mother and one from the father.

  • Genetic

    (jeh-NEH-tik)

    Having to do with genes. Most genes are sequences of DNA that contain information for making specific proteins or molecules of RNA that perform important functions in a cell. The information in genes is passed from parents to children.

  • Genetic Profile

    (jeh-NEH-tik PROH-file)

    Information about specific genes, including variations and gene expression, in an individual or in a certain type of tissue. A genetic profile may be used to help diagnose a disease or learn how the disease may progress or respond to treatment with drugs or radiation.

  • Genetic counselor

    A health professional who has special training in medical genetics and counseling. Genetic counselors help patients and families who have, or who may be at risk of, a genetic condition. They help patients find out their chances of having a genetic condition or of having a child or other family member with a genetic condition. They also help patients understand their options for genetic testing, including its risks and benefits. After genetic testing is done, genetic counselors help patients understand their genetic test results, including how the results can affect other family members, and provide counseling and support.

  • Genetic predisposition

    An increased chance to develop a certain condition because a change (mutation) is present in one or more genes within the body’s cells.

  • Genetic testing

    (jeh-NEH-tik TES-ting)

    The process of analyzing cells or tissues to look for genetic changes that may be a sign of a disease or condition, such as cancer. These changes may be a sign that a person has an increased risk of developing a specific disease or condition.

  • Genetics

    jeh-NEH-tix

    The study of genes and heredity. Heredity is the passing of genetic information and traits (such as eye color and an increased chance of getting a certain disease) from parents to offspring.