Related Words

DNA Virus: A virus that has DNA as its genetic material and replicates using a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase.

Junk DNA: Stretches of dna that do not code for genes: most of the genome consists of so-called junk dna which may have regulatory and other functions. Also called non-coding dna.

Marburg Virus: The causative agent of Marburg haemorrhagic fever. The virus is closely related to Ebola and originates in Uganda and Eastern Congo. Egyptian fruit bats are suspected of being the reservoir host.

Mitochondrial DNA: The genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell. Not inherited in the same fashion as nucleic dna.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A diverse group of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans and a variety of animals. Over 100 different human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been identified. Some HPV ty . . . View Full Definition

Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome: A deadly disease transmitted to humans by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. Although rare it has a . . . View Full Definition

Finished DNA Sequence: High-quality, low error, gap-free dna sequence of the human genome. Achieving this ultimate 2003 hgp goal requires additional sequencing to close gaps, reduce ambiguities, and allow for only . . . View Full Definition

Hantavirus: The virus causative agent of Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. A zoontic disease with a reservoir in rodent species.

Polymerase (DNA Or RNA): Enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of nucleic acids on preexisting nucleic acid templates, assembling rna from ribonucleotides or dna from deoxyribonucleotides.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The retrovirus that attacks T-cells in the human immune system, destroying the bodys defenses and allowing the development of AIDS.