Medical Information on the Internet

Terminology
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Congenital

A trait or condition that exists from birth, but is not necessarily genetic.
[Source: Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms (http://www.genome.gov/glossary.cfm)

Chromosomal Disorders

Changes in the chromosomes that usually happen when the cells divide. These are not usually passed from generation to generation. [Source: Genetics Home Reference (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/ghr/page/Home)]

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

The chemical inside a cell’s nucleus that carries the genetic information for making living organisms. DNA’s structure is that of a double-helix. [Source: Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms (http://www.genome.gov/glossary.cfm)]

Genetic

How human traits are inherited from ones parents

Heritability

The degree to which a characteristic is determined by genes. [Source: JAMA Patient Page: Genetics (http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZZCI25TTC&sub_cat=202)]

Pharmacogenetics

The study of how genetics affect the way people respond to medicines. [From National Institute of General Medical Sciences (http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Initiatives/PGRN/Background/FactSheet.htm)]