Madisons Foundation - Moms And Dads In Search Of Needed Support

gene

The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genens contain the information for making a specific protein. Each gene is capable of reproducing itself exactly or changing with each cell division.

gene therapy

Treatment that seeks to alter a gene. Gene therapy tries to improve the body's ability to fight the disease or to make specific cells more sensitive to therapy.

generalized tonic clonic seizures

A siezure involving the entire body, usually characterized by muscle rigidity, violent rhythmic muscle contractions and loss of consciousness.

genetic counseling

A short-term education counseling process for individuals and families who have a genetic disease or who are at risk for such a disease. Genetic counseling provides patients with information about their condition and helps them to make informaed decisions about present and future pregnancies.

genetic disorder

a disease or disorder that is inherited genetically.

genetic marker

A segment of DNA with an identifiable location on a chromosome. A marker can be a gene, or it can be some section of DNA with no known function.