Glossary

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B

Bioinformatics
The use of computing tools to manage and analyze genomic and molecular biological data.

Biospecimen
Also known as biological material, this is a general term that applies to any material taken from a person (typically blood or tissue samples).

Biotechnology
A set of biological techniques developed through basic research and now applied to research and product development.

C

caBIG™
The cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid, or caBIG™, is the network or grid connecting individuals and institutions involved with cancer research to enable them to share data and computer tools. caBIG™ is an initiative supported by the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. https://cabig.nci.nih.gov/

Chromosome
One of the threadlike "packages" of genes located in the nucleus of a cell. Humans have 23 pairs: 46 chromosomes; 44 autosomes, and an X and Y chromosome.

Chromosome Translocation
Breakage and removal of a large segment of DNA from one chromosome, followed by the segment's attachment to a different chromosome.

D

DNA
The chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions, or code, for making and maintaining living organisms. DNA consists of two long chains of chemical groups or bases, twisted together in pairs to form a double helix. The bases are the "letters" that spell out the genetic code. In DNA, the code letters are A, T, G, and C which stand for the chemicals adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, respectively.

DNA Sequencing
Determination of the order of bases in a DNA molecule.

E

Epigenetics
The study of heritable changes in gene function that occur without a change in the DNA sequence.

G

Gene


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 The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.

Gene Expression

The process by which proteins are made by genes from the instructions encoded in DNA.

Genetics
The study of genes and their effects on inheritance of specific traits and on other biological processes.

Genome
The complete genetic material of an organism—the entire DNA contained in an organism or a cell, which includes both the chromosomes within the cell nucleus and the DNA in cell mitochondria.

M

Mutation

Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or can be caused by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment. Mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. Certain mutations may lead to cancer or other diseases.

P

Polymorphism
A common variation in the sequence of DNA among individuals.

S

Somatic Cell Genetic Mutation
A mutation that is neither inherited nor passed to offspring. Also called acquired mutations.

T

Targeted (Cancer) Therapy
Targeted cancer therapies use drugs that block the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with specific molecules involved in carcinogenesis (the process by which normal cells become cancer cells) and tumor growth.

Translational Research
Translation of novel findings obtained from basic research laboratories into testable hypotheses for evaluation in clinical trials in human subjects.

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