Twins which have been produced by the division of a single zygote (monozygotic). Each twin has an identical genotype. While each twin begins with the same set of genetic information, the effect of the environment within which each individual grows up can cause differences in how their genetic make-up is expressed.

The process of joining two complementary strands of DNA or one each of DNA and RNA to form a double-stranded molecule.

The progeny of genetically dissimilar parents; a heterozygote.

An international research effort aimed at discovering the full sequence of bases in the human genome. Led in the United States by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy.

Collective name for several projects begun in 1986 by DOE to (1) create an ordered set of DNA segments from known chromosomal locations, (2) develop new computational methods for analyzing genetic map and DNA sequence data, and (3) develop new techniques and instruments for detecting and analyzing DNA. This DOE initiative is now known as the Human Genome Program. The national effort, led by DOE and NIH, is known as the Human Genome Project.

A pair of chromosomes containing the same linear gene sequences, each derived from one parent.

Similarities in DNA or protein sequences between individuals of the same species or among different species.

Discussion Introduction: Turning adversity into a major

victory: Andrew Schorr, Robert, Tony, Don

SCHORR: Hello, and welcome to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network, the service created by and for cancer survivors. I’m your discussion leader, Andrew Schorr, in Seattle. Today’s topic, “Living with Prostate Cancer for Men 65 and Older.” On the phone with us are three prostate cancer survivors from across the country who have been diagnosed just in the past couple of years or are in treatment or have recently completed it. Over the next few minutes, we’ll discuss such issues as minimizing the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatment, getting the best possible treatment, getting the issue of prostate cancer into the open with friends, family and the public, continuing to find information and support that you deserve.

Let’s begin. Robert Alexander joins us from Newville, Pennsylvania. Robert, you were diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago and I understand that you are now getting hormonal therapy and that you are married. I think you told us that you’ve tackled the question of getting past anger about prostate cancer. How did you do that? How did you get past being angry that this happened to you?

ROBERT: I think I went right through about four or five of these aspects of I guess It’s anger, or it’s denial, you know, you deny that maybe the lab made an error and got the names mixed up and some guys pretend that cancer doesn’t exist in them. Some react with despair. I think I had a little bit of that . Procrastination - didn’t quite make it, didn’t have much of a chance to say I’ll wait awhile and see what happens, and there are very little in the way of alternatives. That sort of came later. But I think the anger part of it may have passed rather quickly and probably it was a good thing that it did. I went to a fiftieth high school reunion at the time and I overheard a couple of classmates talking about cancer and saying it was the best thing that ever happened to them, and that almost knocked me over.

SCHORR: You’d already been diagnosed at that time? …read the rest of this entry»

This term is used by geneticists in two different senses: (1) one member of a chromosome pair in diploid organisms, and (2) a gene from one species, for example the mouse, that has a common origin and functions the same as a gene from another species, for example, humans, Drosophila, or yeast.

A short stretch of nucleotides whose base sequence is virtually identical in all the genes that contain it. It has been found in many organisms from fruit flies to human beings. In the fruit fly, a homeobox appears to determine when particular groups of genes are expressed during development.