Glossary
An alphabetical glossary of technical terms used on the site.
- Daughter cell
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One of two (or more) new cells that is formed when a cell divides.
- DDT
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Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. An insecticide used by farmers in the 1950's to kill pests like grass grubs. It is toxic to humans and other mammals when it is swallowed or absorbed through the skin.
- Decant
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To gently pour a liquid into a new container so that any sediment or solid material in the liquid is left behind.
- Declaration
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A written statement of facts.
- Deforestation
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The removal of forests, so the land can be used for other purposes.
- Dendritic cells
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A key part of the immune system; these cells present foreign substances to other immune system cells.
- Deoxy-adenosine triphosphate (dATP)
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One of four nucleotides used to make a DNA molecule, which include dATP, dTTP, dGTP and dCTP.
- Deoxy-cytosine triphosphate (dCTP)
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One of four nucleotides used to make a DNA molecule, which include dATP, dTTP, dGTP and dCTP.
- Deoxy-guanine triphosphate (dGTP)
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One of four nucleotides used to make a DNA molecule, which include dATP, dTTP, dGTP and dCTP.
- Deoxy-thymine triphosphate (dTTP)
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One of four nucleotides used to make a DNA molecule, which include dATP, dTTP, dGTP and dCTP.
- Dermatitis
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An inflammation of the skin making it red and sometimes dry, flaky or itchy.
- Designer baby
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A term used to describe children whose genetic make-up is selected by their parents before birth.
- Detrimental
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Harmful.
- Diagnostics
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The science and practice of diagnosis of disease.
- Diarrhea
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Frequent and watery bowel movements.
- Dideoxynucleotide
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A modified nucleotide used to make DNA during DNA sequencing. It contains one less oxygen atom, which prevents other nucleotides being added and ends the DNA strand.
- Differentiate
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To change into a cell type with a specialised function, such as a heart, muscle, or brain cell.
- Differentiated cell
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A specialised cell that performs a specific function in a multicellular organism.
- Digestive system
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The group of organs that are involved in the breakdown of food in the body, which includes the stomach and intestines.
- Dimensional stability
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The ability of a fabric to resist shrinking or stretching.
- Diploid
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Two sets of chromosomes are contained within the cell, one set inherited from each parent.
- Diverge
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Separate or become different.
- DNA
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The genetic material found in cells is called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
- DNA barcode
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A short DNA sequence that is unique to an organism. DNA barcodes can be used to distinguish closely related species.
- DNA extraction
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A routine procedure used to isolate DNA from the nucleus of cells.
- DNA fingerprint
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The unique sequence of DNA bases in the genome of an individual organism.
- DNA methylation
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The addition of a methyl group (-CH3) to DNA, which can prevent gene expression.
- DNA polymorphism
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A DNA sequence that is highly variable between individuals of a species.
- DNA profile
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A specific pattern of DNA attributes that is obtained in the laboratory and can be used to identify an individual.
- DNA replication
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The unwinding and copying of both strands of DNA prior to cell division.
- DNA sequencing
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A technique used to determine the exact sequence of nucleotides in a sample of DNA.
- Dominant
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Refers to a trait that appears in an organism even if only one copy of the gene is present.
- Donor
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A person or animal that gives something, for example, an organ or blood.
- Double helix
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The structure of DNA, made up of two spiraling strands of nucleotides wrapping around each other.
- Double-blind
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A type of clinical trial where neither the researcher or patient knows whether they are receiving the new drug or treatment. This is used to prevent the results from being influenced by peoples’ opinions.
- Drape
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Fall in smooth folds.
- Drench
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A technique used to deliver anti-parasite drugs to livestock, usually by injecting the drug into the animals' mouths.
