Resources For Specific Genetic Diseases And Disorders
The Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute’s list of resources for neurological diseases and disorders, including autism, Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Angelman syndrome)
Baylor College of Medicine’s Department of Molecular Health and Human Genetics Resources page (lists resources for a wide range of diseases and disorders, including cancer, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and spina bifida)
DNA – A special molecule found in your cells that contains all the information needed to build and maintain your body. You can think of it like a recipe book that tells your body how to make everything it needs.
RNA – A molecule that carries DNA's instructions to other parts of the cell where proteins are made. It's like a messenger taking notes from the recipe book.
Protein – A special molecule that your body makes by following DNA instructions. Proteins are like building blocks that do important jobs like building muscles and helping you grow.
Gene – A small section of DNA that has instructions for one specific trait or job in your body. For example, there are genes that determine your eye color or how tall you might grow.
Chromosome – A tightly packed package of DNA. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in most of their cells, and each one contains many genes.
Genome – Your body’s complete set of DNA instructions. Every cell in your body has a copy of your genome.
Mutation – A change in DNA instructions which can be helpful, harmful, or have no effect at all.
Trait – A characteristic that you can see or measure, like eye color or height. Traits come from your genes and your environment.
Heredity - The passing of traits from parents to their children, such as curly hair or brown eyes.
Cell - The tiny building blocks that make up your body. Your body contains trillions of cells and each one contains DNA and follows its instructions.