Introduction to Super Scientists

The study of how genes affect a person's health and how genes can be used to develop new treatments for diseases.

Laboratory animals used in research to study diseases by modifying their genes to mimic human conditions.

Specialized structures within a cell that contain the genetic material and determine the traits of an organism.

The process of transferring genes from one organism to another, including laboratory mice, to study genetic effects.

A change in the genetic material within chromosomes, which can lead to changes in traits, including susceptibility to disease.

The process of creating mice with human-like conditions, such as cancer or Alzheimer's disease, through gene modification.

The potential benefits of using laboratory mice in genetic research to develop treatments and cures for diseases.

The study of heredity and how traits are passed down from parents to offspring.

The study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring.

The material in our body that contains all our inherited traits.

A small portion of DNA that codes for a specific protein.

A twisted ladder-like structure that contains all the genetic information in a cell.

A change in the sequence of DNA that can lead to disease.

The process of passing traits from parents to offspring.

The differences in traits among individuals.

The branch of biology that deals with the heredity and differences in various living things.

The blueprint for our bodies. Contains instructions for traits, growth, and development.

The building blocks of our cells.

A project aiming to map and understand the entire human genome.

A technique using specially bred mice to study gene function and disease.

A medical approach using genes to treat or prevent diseases.

Mice share about 80% of their DNA with humans, making them suitable models for understanding human biology and disease.

Mice have a relatively short lifespan and gestation period, allowing scientists to study multiple generations over a shorter timescale.

Scientists use control groups of non-transgenic mice to compare against transgenic mice, helping to identify and isolate the effects of the modified gene.

Scientists use family studies and genetic testing to identify genes potentially linked to specific diseases.

A hypothesis is a testable prediction or assumption made by scientists before conducting research.

Scientists test their hypothesis by creating transgenic mice and comparing them to control mice to determine if the modified gene causes the expected changes.

The results of transgenic research can provide evidence for a link between a specific gene and a particular disease.

A laboratory animal, often a mouse, whose genes have been modified to study diseases or medical treatments.

The potential to use genetic research to develop new treatments and cures for diseases.

The study of genetics raises ethical questions about how far science should go in manipulating genes.

A scientist who studies the structure, function, and inheritance of genes, and applies knowledge to understand and treat diseases.

The control center of the cell, directing all cellular activities. It contains DNA, which holds the genetic instructions.

A gene introduced into an organism from a different species during transgenic research. It can be healthy or unhealthy.

An area of science that involves replacing a healthy gene with a defective gene to study its effects on disease. It helps scientists understand the role of genes in health and disease.

A tentative explanation or prediction that can be tested through further investigation.

A mammal in the early stages of development before birth.