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Fraternal twin
Siblings born at the same time as the result of fertilization of two ova by two sperm. They share the same genetic relationship to each other as any other siblings.
Embryonic stem (ES) cells
An embryonic cell that can replicate indefinitely, transform into other types of cells, and serve as a continuous source of new cells.
Junk DNA
Stretches of DNA that do not code for genes; most of the genome consists of so-called junk DNA which may have regulatory and other functions.
Gene
The fundamental physical and functional unit of heredity. A gene is an ordered sequence of nucleotides located in a particular position on a particular chromosome that encodes a specific functional product
Autosome
A chromosome not involved in sex determination.
Cancer
Diseases in which abnormal cells divide and grow unchecked.
Acquired genetic mutation
A change in the genetic structure that is neither inherited nor passed to offspring. Also called acquired mutations.
Syndrome
The group or recognizable pattern of symptoms or abnormalities that indicate a particular trait or disease.
Pedigree
A family tree diagram that shows how a particular genetic trait or disease has been inherited.
Centromere
A specialized chromosome region to which spindle fibers attach during cell division.
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