G

Gamma-interferon

A lymphokine produced by macrophages and T cells that is involved in regulation of the immune system and activation of phagocytes.

Gene

Units of DNA that contain all the hereditary information needed to make a product, such as a protein.

Gene Therapy

Methods to correct a gene mutation by adding an intact (normal) one or changing one that is already present.

Genetic Markers

DNA pieces that are easy to identify but that themselves have nothing to do with the gene being examined, such as the gene for hemophilia.

Genotype

1. The genetic makeup, as distinguished from the physical appearance, of an organism or a group of organisms.
2. The combination of alleles located on homologous chromosomes that determines a specific characteristic or trait.

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia

A rare inherited disorder where platelets fail to aggregate in response to normal stimulation but do clump normally in response to ristocetin. MEDLINEplus

Glycoprotein

A protein compound that also contains carbohydrate.

Glycosaminoglycan (GSG)

Mucopolysaccharide. Any of a group of polysaccharides with high molecular weight such as heparin, heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate that contain disaccharide repeating units containing N-acetylhexosamine and hexose or hexuronic acid and often form complexes with proteins.

Granulocyte

A type of white blood cell that includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. MEDLINEplus