Table 1.

Basic genetic terminology.

Gene	A Section of DNA which codes for a protein
Genome	The entire genetic material of an organism
Nucleotide	A basic unit of DNA comprising an organic base, ribose sugar, and negatively charged phosphate group
Mutation	A change to the DNA sequence of an organism
Variation	Differences seen between members of the same species
Genotype	The genetic make-up of an organism
Phenotype	The physical appearance of an organism arising from its genotype
Polymorphism	A gene which has more than one allele allowing for phenotypic variation in a population
Single nucleotide polymorphism	Variation of a specific nucleotide seen in >1% of a population
Haplotype	A set of genetic variations which are inherited together