Gene

The basic biological unit of heredity. It consists of a sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) needed to contribute to a specific functional product. Genes act as a master blue print for all the cells in your body. Your genes determine such things as what colour hair and eyes you have and how tall you are. If you inherit specific faulty genes, it may mean you have an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

 

Gene expression

The process by which a gene's coded information is converted into the structures present and operating in the cell. Expressed genes include those that are transcribed into mRNA and then translated into protein and those that are transcribed into RNA but not translated into protein (e.g., transfer and ribosomal RNAs).

 

Genome

All of the genetic information or hereditary material of a particular individual.

 

Genomics

The study of the structure and function of genomes, which consist of all the genetic information or hereditary material of a particular individual.

 

Grading

The grading of ovarian cancer gives doctors important information about the disease and which kind of treatment would be best. It describes how similar or dissimilar the tumour is to normal tissue.

 

Grade of tumour

A measurement of how aggressive the tumour is which is determined by analysing the tumour in the laboratory under a microscope.