biopsy - The removal of a sample of tissue (to see if cancer cells are present, for example).¹

chromosome - The part of a cell that contains genetic information.² Except for sperm and eggs, all human cells contain 46 chromosomes.²

DNA - DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is the genetic “blueprint” found in each cell.³ DNA holds genetic information on cell growth, division, and function.³

gene - A piece of DNA that has information on hereditary traits such as hair color, eye color, and height.³ Genes can also reveal susceptibility to certain diseases.³

genome - The total DNA in a single cell, representing all of the genetic information of the organism.³

genomics - The study of genomes.

microRNA (miRNA) - MicroRNAs are short strands of ribonucleic acid, or RNA.4 Like RNA, they carry messages that direct the body’s functions.⁵ They have been linked with cancer and development.⁴

squamous - A term used to describe the flat, non-glandular cells of the body. For example, the skin or the lining of the body’s organs.⁶

1. American Cancer Society Web site. Accessed February 22, 2009.
2. National Cancer Institute Web site. Accessed March 2, 2009.
3. American Cancer Society Web site. Accessed February 22, 2009.
4. Meiri E, Spector Y, Cohen L, et al. MicroRNAs as powerful diagnostic tools for the differential diagnosis of lung tumors. Presented at: 44th American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; May 30-June 3, 2008; Chicago, IL. Abstract 11112.
5. Minnesota partnership researchers discover disease “fingerprint”: interferon signature in dermatomyositis. Mayo Clinic Web site. Published April 2, 2007. Accessed February 23, 2009.
6. American Cancer Society Web site. Accessed February 25, 2009.