Glossary

A unit of mass used to express the molecular weight of proteins, nucleic acids, and other large molecules. One Dalton is defined as one-twelfth of the mass of a carbon-12 atom.

Spontaneous mutations that occur in individuals. These mutations are not passed from parent to offspring.

A disease in which the structure or function of the effected tissues or organs changes for the worse over time.

A nucleic acid molecule, usually a double-stranded helix, in which each polynucleotide strand consists of nucleotide monomers with a deoxyribose sugar and the nitrogenous base adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T); capable of being replicated and determining the inherited structure of a cell’s proteins.

The process of identifying a disease, condition, or injury from its signs and symptoms.

Blood pressure when your left ventricle is filling.

A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant.

In medicine, a disturbance of normal functioning of the mind or body.

A short nephron segment, interposed between the macula densa and collecting duct. Even though it is short, it plays a key role in regulating extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte homeostasis.

The amount of a medication or substance that is administered at one time or over a specified period. Dosing is typically determined based on factors such as the age, weight, and medical condition of the patient, as well as the intended therapeutic effect.

A graph representing the dose versus the dose-relationship.

Any substance (other than food) that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat, or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Drugs can also affect how the brain and rest of the body work and cause changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, or behavior.

How long the drug lasts.