Violinist's Thumb - Chapter 1 Genes, Freaks, DNA

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gene

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a heritable factor that consists of a length of DNA and influences a specific characteristic

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chromosome

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a structure within the cell composed of DNA (and protein) that carries genetic material as a thread-like linear strand of genes (the human species has 23 pairs)

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heredity

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the passing of a genetic trait from one generation to the next

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congenital

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a trait present from birth

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homunculus

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microscopic but fully formed human being from which a fetus was formerly believed to develop

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white blood cell

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immune system cells of the circulatory system; leukocyte

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protein

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biochemical formed from a chain of amino acids; contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur

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amino acid

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the building block of proteins; there are about 20 commonly used by living things on earth

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dominant

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a version of a trait that will mask the recessive version

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recessive

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a version of a trait that will be visible only if the dominant version is not inherited.