Genetic information
Genetic Information
Genetic information (pronunciation: /dʒɪˈnɛtɪk ɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/) refers to the instructions found within living cells, which guide the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses. These instructions are stored within the complex biological molecules called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Etymology
The term "genetic" is derived from the Greek word "genetikos," meaning "genitive" and "genesis" meaning "origin." The term "information" comes from the Latin word "informare," which means to shape or form an idea.
Related Terms
- Genome: The complete set of genetic material in an organism.
- Gene: A unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.
- Genotype: The genetic constitution of an individual organism.
- Phenotype: The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
- Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence that affects genetic information.
- Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Genetic information
- Wikipedia's article - Genetic information
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