The terms and descriptions provided in this glossary have been completed with the help of several sources:

• National Human Genome Research Institute - Talking Glossary
• Human Genome Project Information
• PhRMA Genomics (no longer online)
• Word Central's Student Dictionary (Merriam Webster)

Sources are listed with the definitions.

HIJKL

Heredity

The passing of certain traits from parents to their offspring. The process of heredity occurs through the genes.
Source: Human Genome Project Information

Hormones

Proteins produced by organs of the body that trigger activity in other locations.
Source: Human Genome Project Information

Human Genome Project

An international research project to map each human gene and to completely sequence human DNA. The project began in 1990. Its completion was announced in 2003. [Talking Glossary]

Immune system

A biological defence system that has evolved in vertebrates to protect them against the introduction of foreign material (such as pollen, or invading micro-organisms) and to prevent the body from developing cancer.
Source: PhRMA Genomics

Immunotherapy

The concept of using the immune system to treat disease. For example, using the immune system to develop a vaccine against cancer. Immunotherapy may also refer to the therapy of diseases caused by the immune system, allergies for example. [Talking Glossary]

Inherited

Transmitted through genes from parents to offspring. [Talking Glossary]

International HapMap Project

An international research project to identify and catalog genetic similarities and differences in human beings. The goal is to compare the genetic sequences of different individuals to identify chromosomal regions where genetic variants are shared. By using this information, researchers will be able to find genes that affect health, disease, and individual responses to medications and environmental factors. [International HapMap Project web site]

Karyotype

The chromosomal complement of an individual, including the number of chromosomes and any abnormalities. The term is also used to refer to a photograph of an individual's chromosomes. [Talking Glossary]

Knockout

Inactivation of specific genes, knockouts are often created in laboratory organisms (such as yeast or mice) so that scientists can study the knockout organism as a model for a particular disease. [Talking Glossary]

Leukemia

Cancer of the developing blood cells in the bone marrow. Leukemia leads to rampant overproduction of white blood cells (leukocytes); symptoms usually include anaemia, fever, enlarged liver, spleen, and/or lymph nodes. [Talking Glossary]

Lysosome

Organelles enclosed in membranes, containing digestive enzymes.