Genetic predisposition: a susceptibility to disease that is
related to a genetic condition, which may or may not result in actual
development of the disease.
Genetic screening: the use of a specific biological test to
screen for inherited diseases or medical conditions.
Genome: the sum total of an organism’s genes.
Genomics: the study of genes and their function.
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP): guidelines ensuring the
quality and purity of chemical products that are intended for use in
pharmaceutical applications, and controls ensuring that methods and
facilities used for production, processing, packaging, and storage
result in drugs with consistent and sufficient quality, purity, and
activity.
Human Genome Project: an international research effort that
identified and located the full sequence of bases in the human genome.
Immune system: the cells, biological substances (such as
antibodies), and cellular activities that work together to recognize
foreign substances and provide resistance to disease.
In silico ('in computer'): computer-based predictions that
can complement in vitro and in vivo procedures.
In vitro ('in glass'): experimental procedures carried out
in test-tubes, beakers, etc.
In vivo ('in the living body'): experimental procedures
carried out on living cell lines or in living animals.
Lead compound: in pre-clinical trials and clinical trials, a
potential drug being tested for safety and efficacy.
Liposome: an artificial membrane. Can be used to encapsulate
drugs and aid in drug delivery.
Microarray: a tool that permits the identification of DNA
samples and examination of gene expression in individual tissues and
different conditions.
Monoclonal antibody: an antibody that recognizes a single
target. Polyclonal antibodies recognize several related targets.
Molecular evolution: the process of making discrete changes in
genes to improve the functional characteristics of proteins and enzymes.
Molecular farming: using biotechnology to produce useful
products from domesticated plants and animals.
