Glossary

Chromosome: Genetic information passed on by both parents. There are 46 chromosomes in the human body.

Deoxyribonucleic acid: Scientific name for DNA. The cellular molucule that caries genetic information.

Genes: DNA bases. These are genetic molecules that attach to chromosomes. They determine a specific protein's structure and function.

Geneticist: A scientist specializing in the field of genetics, studying the composition, and characteristics of DNA.

Genome: The total amount of DNA in an organism, emphasizing the collection of genes arranged by chromosomes.

Human Genome Project: A project leading in the attempt to sequence and store all genes.

Nanotechnology: The use of extremely small, microscopic machines or technology.

Nucleotides: The bases of DNA, known as Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine.

Sequencing: Reading and mapping DNA. The process of determining base sequences of certain DNA strands.

SNP: A mutation in the human genome known as a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism.

Synthesis: The process of creating DNA molecules.