Glossary
ATP-binding casette transporter family
transmembrane proteins that function in the transport of a wide variety of substrates, including lipids, sterols and drugs.
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Celiac Disease
a digestive system disease which damages the small intestine and affects absorption of nutrients.
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Cervical mucus
a secretion of the cervix which moistens and protects it.
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Chromosome
a structure in the nucleus of cells which contains genes.
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Chronic Bronchitis
a chronic inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs. Considered one of the two forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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Electrode
an electrical conductor that carries current.
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Endoplasmic reticulum
an extensive network of internal membranes within a cell which is necessary for protein synthesis.
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Enzyme
a type of protein made by the cell in order to encourage or regulate particular biochemical reactions
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Epididymus
coiled, tubular organ attached to and lying on the testicle. Within this organ the developing sperm complete their maturation and develop their swimming capabilities. Matured sperm leave the epididymis through the vas deferens.
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Fertility
the ability to conceive and have children.
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Gene mutation
a permanent change in a gene that can be passed on to offspring.
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Golgi apparatus
an organelle in cells consisting of stacks of flat membranous sacs that modify and store products of the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Homozygous
having two identical alleles of a particular gene.
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In vitro fertilisation
the sperm fertilises the egg in the laboratory to create embryos which are then placed into the womb to develop into a normal pregnancy
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Insulin
a hormone made by the pancreas which controls the amount of sugar in the blood.
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Loss-of-function mutation
a mutation that results in reduced or abolished protein function.
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Malnutrition
poor nutrition due to an incorrect diet or difficulties with digestion.
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Nucleotide
the building block of DNA.
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Pancreas
A long, flat glanular organ that lies in the abdomen behing the stomach. Produces digestive enzymes and hormones.
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Pneumonia
an inflammatory illness of the lungs which causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing and chest pain.
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Recessive inheritance
an inherited problem which occurs only when a particular inherited gene is inherited from both parents.
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Respiration
the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the body cells, including ventilation (inhalation and exhalation), diffusion of oxygen from alveoli to blood and of carbon dioxide from blood to alveoli; and transport of oxygen to and carbon dioxide from body cells.
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Vas deferens
the tube that carries the sperm from the epididymis and testicle to the penis.
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