21696 Genetic Structures Terms and Definitions at www.MedicalGlossary.org

Home > Biological Sciences > Genetic Structures Terms and Definitions

Genetic Structures

Definition: The biological objects that contain genetic information and that are involved in transmitting genetically encoded traits from one organism to another.
Notes: GEN only; avoid: prefer specifics

Genetic Structures Categories.
Gene Library - A large collection of DNA fragments cloned (CLONING, MOLECULAR) from a given organism, tissue, organ, or cell type. It may contain complete genomic sequences (GENOMIC LIBRARY) or complementary DNA sequences, the latter being formed from messenger RNA and lacking intron sequences.
Genes - Specific sequences of nucleotides along a molecule of DNA (or, in the case of some viruses, RNA) which represent the functional units of HEREDITY. The majority of eukaryotic genes contain coding regions (CODONS) that are interrupted by non-coding regions (INTRONS) and are therefore labeled split genes.
Genetic Code - The meaning ascribed to the BASE SEQUENCE with respect to how it is translated into AMINO ACID SEQUENCE. The start, stop, and order of amino acids of a protein is specified by consecutive triplets of nucleotides called codons (CODON).
Genetic Vectors - DNA molecules capable of autonomous replication within a host cell and into which other DNA sequences can be inserted and thus amplified. Many are derived from PLASMIDS; BACTERIOPHAGES; or VIRUSES. They are used for transporting foreign genes into recipient cells. Genetic vectors possess a functional replicator site and contain GENETIC MARKERS to facilitate their selective recognition.
Genome - An organism's genetic complement as represented in its DNA or, in some cases, its RNA.
Genome Components - The parts of a GENOME sequence that carry out the different functions of genomes.
Plasmids - Extrachromosomal, usually CIRCULAR DNA molecules that are self-replicating and transferable from one organsim to another. They are found in a variety of bacterial, archaeal, fungal, algal, and plant species. They are used in GENETIC ENGINEERING as CLONING VECTORS.
Templates, Genetic - Macromolecular moulds for the synthesis of complementary macromolecules, as in DNA REPLICATION; TRANSCRIPTION of DNA to RNA, and TRANSLATION of RNA into POLYPEPTIDES.

Genetic Structures Definitions and Terms

MedicalGlossary.org is designed as a free, browsable resource for all. The medical terms and definitions are not intended to replace medical informaion provided by licensed healthcare professionals. Please see a doctor if you need medical assistance. Don't see the medical term you were researching?  Send us an e-mail from our "about us" page.  We will do our best to research and classify new medical terms in a timely manner. Our current list of medical terms is over 26,000. Data sources include the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2004 Medical Subject Headings.

Copyright 2004 

Main Categories:
Anatomy
Organisms
Diseases
Chemicals and Drugs
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment
Psychiatry and Psychology
Biological Sciences
Physical Sciences
Anthropology, Education, Sociology and Social Phenomena
Technology and Food and Beverages
Humanities
Information Science Persons
Health Care
Geographic Locations