Clinical Quick Reference Guides / Medical Terminology Companion Guide
Expanded Medical Terminology Guide To Accompany PCR Review
Getting to know these terms will help reinforce guide materials.
Medical Terminology
Study Tip: Take notes and add key points and action items in the side column of your notebook.
DNA (or deoxyribonucleic acid) - is a molecule found inside cells which carries genetic information
nucleotides - the basic building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA; these consist of nitrogen-containing bases with a sugar molecule (either deoxyribose in the case DNA, or ribose in RNA) and a phosphate group
PCR (or polymerase chain reaction) - is a laboratory method used to increase or replicate a particular piece of DNA or RNA
phylum - a grouping of organisms that share a certain degree of evolutionary relatedness; the phylum taxonomy rank is below Kingdom and above Class (in biological classification)
Taq polymerase - thermostable enzyme; helps produce fresh strands of genetic material, using original strands as templates
thermocycler - machine that can be used to automate the PCR process; provides cyclic, regulated temperatures
thermophilic - relates to an organism that is capable of surviving at very high temperatures
Thermus aquaticus - bacteria that can tolerate high temperatures; belongs to the Deinococcota phylum
Additional:
Kary Mullis - a U.S. biochemist who developed the polymerase chain reaction process during the 1980s
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Disclaimer: The above study guide represents study materials, always seek and follow the advice of your medical provider for any acute or chronic medical issues or questions.
Medical Terminology Companion Resources:
CDC
NIH