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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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Dominant gene
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Dominant gene A gene which, when present on a chromosome, passes on a certain physical characteristic, even when the gene is present in only one copy. A dominant disorder can be inherited from only one parent.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Gene
1. A unit of DNA that carries information for the biosynthesis of a specific product in the cell. 2. Ultimate unit by which inheritable characteristics are transmitted to succeeding generations in all living organisms. Genes are contained by, and arranged along the length of, the chromosome. The gene is composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Each chromosome of each species has a definite number and arrangement of genes, which govern both the structure and metabolic functions of the cells and thus of the entire organism.
Chromosome
A structural unit within a eukaryotic nucleus that carries genes. A chromosome consists of a long, continuous strand of DNA and associated proteins.
Dominant
A genetic trait is considered dominant if it is expressed in a person who has only one copy of that gene. (In genetic terms, a dominant trait is one that is phenotypically expressed in heterozygotes). A dominant trait is opposed to a recessive trait which is expressed only when two copies of the gene are present. (In genetic terms, a recessive trait is one that is phenotypically expressed only in homozygotes).
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Dominant
A genetic trait is considered dominant if it is expressed in a person who has only one copy of that gene. (In genetic terms, a dominant trait is one that is phenotypically expressed in heterozygotes). A dominant trait is opposed to a recessive trait which is expressed only when two copies of the gene are present. (In genetic terms, a recessive trait is one that is phenotypically expressed only in homozygotes).
Dominant Progressive Foveal Dystrophy
Dominant Stargardt’s disease. A degeneration of the RPE and photoreceptors of the eye. Slowly progressive, leading to legal blindness later in life. Usually starts in the 20s to 40s. Results in decreased visual acuity, central scotoma and defective color vision. There is no treatment.
Dominatrix
A female in the sadomasochistic role of total domination and discipline.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA. A substance composed of a double chain of polynucleotides; both chains coiled around a central axis form a double helix. DNA is the basic genetic code or template for amino acid formation.
Dehdroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
A steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands. Its primary function is to inhibit the binding of cortisol.
Diabetes
A condition in which blood glucose is not well controlled. Type I diabetics make no insulin, whereas type 2 diabetics are characterized by the overproduction of insulin, but the inability of the target cells to respond to the insulin.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter that works in an axis with serotonin.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin irritation characterized by red, flaky skin, sometimes with cracks or tiny blisters. Dermatitis is extremely itchy, but scratching damages the fragile skin and exacerbates the problem so it is important for people with eczema to try to leave the area alone.
Dominant gene
Depression
A mental state of depressed mood characterized by feelings of sadness, despair and discouragement. Depression ranges from normal feelings of the blues through dysthymia to major depression. It in many ways resembles the grief and mourning that follow bereavement, there are often feelings of low self esteem, guilt and self reproach, withdrawal from interpersonal contact and physical symptoms such as eating and sleep disturbances.
Diabetes Mellitus
A metabolic disease caused by an absolute or a relative deficiency of insulin, a hormone that controls how the body processes glucose, protein, and fats. When the body's insulin supply is decreased, it cannot process carbohydrates and it compensates by overprocessing fats and protein. The condition is characterized by chronic high blood sugar and sugar in the urine. Diabetes mellitus can result in coma. Over time, complications can include nerve injury, blindness, kidney failure, and premature atherosclerosis with all of its complications.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Severe changes in the back of the eye, or the retina, caused by diabetes. These may include ongoing microaneurysms, retinal hemorrhages or swelling in the central part of the eye (macula). The proliferative type involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina or at the optic disc with blood leaking into the jelly part of the eye (vitreous), or a detachment of the retina.
Diplopia
Diplopia is a visual disorder that results in double vision, such that when the viewer looks at an object it seems as if there are two objects. It can arise when the eye muscles are not functioning as intended, and the eyes are not correctly aligned while focusing on an object. This binocular diplopia disappears when one eye is closed.
Dyscalculia
Is a term used to refer to learning disabilities that involve arithmetic comprehension or computation. This difficulty in mastering concepts or computations is usually associated with neurological dysfunction or brain damage and is classified as developmental (occurring before birth from genetic or congenital problems) or acquired (occurring after birth usually from a traumatic brain injury).
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Gene
1. A unit of DNA that carries information for the biosynthesis of a specific product in the cell. 2. Ultimate unit by which inheritable characteristics are transmitted to succeeding generations in all living organisms. Genes are contained by, and arranged along the length of, the chromosome. The gene is composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Each chromosome of each species has a definite number and arrangement of genes, which govern both the structure and metabolic functions of the cells and thus of the entire organism.
Chromosome
A structural unit within a eukaryotic nucleus that carries genes. A chromosome consists of a long, continuous strand of DNA and associated proteins.
Dominant
A genetic trait is considered dominant if it is expressed in a person who has only one copy of that gene. (In genetic terms, a dominant trait is one that is phenotypically expressed in heterozygotes). A dominant trait is opposed to a recessive trait which is expressed only when two copies of the gene are present. (In genetic terms, a recessive trait is one that is phenotypically expressed only in homozygotes).
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Dominant
A genetic trait is considered dominant if it is expressed in a person who has only one copy of that gene. (In genetic terms, a dominant trait is one that is phenotypically expressed in heterozygotes). A dominant trait is opposed to a recessive trait which is expressed only when two copies of the gene are present. (In genetic terms, a recessive trait is one that is phenotypically expressed only in homozygotes).
Dominant Progressive Foveal Dystrophy
Dominant Stargardt’s disease. A degeneration of the RPE and photoreceptors of the eye. Slowly progressive, leading to legal blindness later in life. Usually starts in the 20s to 40s. Results in decreased visual acuity, central scotoma and defective color vision. There is no treatment.
Dominatrix
A female in the sadomasochistic role of total domination and discipline.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA. A substance composed of a double chain of polynucleotides; both chains coiled around a central axis form a double helix. DNA is the basic genetic code or template for amino acid formation.
Dehdroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
A steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands. Its primary function is to inhibit the binding of cortisol.
Diabetes
A condition in which blood glucose is not well controlled. Type I diabetics make no insulin, whereas type 2 diabetics are characterized by the overproduction of insulin, but the inability of the target cells to respond to the insulin.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter that works in an axis with serotonin.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin irritation characterized by red, flaky skin, sometimes with cracks or tiny blisters. Dermatitis is extremely itchy, but scratching damages the fragile skin and exacerbates the problem so it is important for people with eczema to try to leave the area alone.
Dominant gene
Depression
A mental state of depressed mood characterized by feelings of sadness, despair and discouragement. Depression ranges from normal feelings of the blues through dysthymia to major depression. It in many ways resembles the grief and mourning that follow bereavement, there are often feelings of low self esteem, guilt and self reproach, withdrawal from interpersonal contact and physical symptoms such as eating and sleep disturbances.
Diabetes Mellitus
A metabolic disease caused by an absolute or a relative deficiency of insulin, a hormone that controls how the body processes glucose, protein, and fats. When the body's insulin supply is decreased, it cannot process carbohydrates and it compensates by overprocessing fats and protein. The condition is characterized by chronic high blood sugar and sugar in the urine. Diabetes mellitus can result in coma. Over time, complications can include nerve injury, blindness, kidney failure, and premature atherosclerosis with all of its complications.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Severe changes in the back of the eye, or the retina, caused by diabetes. These may include ongoing microaneurysms, retinal hemorrhages or swelling in the central part of the eye (macula). The proliferative type involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina or at the optic disc with blood leaking into the jelly part of the eye (vitreous), or a detachment of the retina.
Diplopia
Diplopia is a visual disorder that results in double vision, such that when the viewer looks at an object it seems as if there are two objects. It can arise when the eye muscles are not functioning as intended, and the eyes are not correctly aligned while focusing on an object. This binocular diplopia disappears when one eye is closed.
Dyscalculia
Is a term used to refer to learning disabilities that involve arithmetic comprehension or computation. This difficulty in mastering concepts or computations is usually associated with neurological dysfunction or brain damage and is classified as developmental (occurring before birth from genetic or congenital problems) or acquired (occurring after birth usually from a traumatic brain injury).
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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