Canadian Medical Guide > Biological Sciences > Genetic Structures Terms and Definitions

Genetic Structures

Medical Definition:	The biological objects that contain genetic information and that are involved in transmitting genetically encoded traits from one organism to another.
Guide 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 Medical Definitions and Terms

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