Glossary

The visual appearance of a chromosome when stained and examined under a microscope. Particularly important are visually distinct regions, called light and dark bands, which give each of the chromosomes a unique appearance. This feature allows a person's chromosomes to be studied in a clinical test known as a karyotype, which allows scientists to look for chromosomal alterations.

Study of the cell and its heredity-related components, especially chromosomes.

Area of biology concerned with chromosomes and their implications in genetics, cellular activity and variability.

A protein that acts as a chemical messenger to stimulate cell migration, usually toward where the protein is released. Interlukins, lymphokines, and interferons are the most common.

Cytokine AssayAn assay to measure the presence and amount of cytokine proteins. Cytokine assays are often performed to see if a particular drug is capable of effecting one or more cellular responses (cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, etc.).

An area of the chromosome that stains differently from areas around it.

A type of chromosome map whereby genes are located on the basis of cytological findings obtained with the aid of chromosome mutations.

The study of the structure and function of cells.

The dissolution of cells particularly by destruction of their cell membrane.

Damaging to cells, causing them to exhibit signs of disease.

The living material of the cell, exclusive of the nucleus, consisting of a complex protein matrix or gel. The part of the cell in which essential membranes and cellular organelles (mitochondria, plastids, etc.) reside.

A generic characteristic in which the genes are found outside the nucleus, in chloroplasts or mitochondria. Results in offspring inheriting genetic material from only one parent.

A pyrimidine occurring as a fundamental unit or base of nucleic acids.

Something that retards cellular activity.

Chemotherapeutic agent capable of impairing cell proliferation.

Therapeutics that inhibit cell division and growth. This term can refer to machinery, such as those that would freeze cells.

Poisonous to cells.

Chemotherapeutic agent intended to control or kill cancer cells, which may act as a indiscriminant poison preventing cell reproduction or growth and causing death of cancerous and potentially healthy cells.

The ability of a substance or compound to cause a cytotoxic effect.

Capillary Zone Electrophoresis