Dictionary

family tree: A chart showing the past and present members of a family joined together by a series of lines that help in ascertaining the relationship with one another.

gel electrophoresis: A technique used in genetics laboratories that requires separating electrically charged molecules.

genealogy: The study of the history of past and present members of a particular family.

genetic fingerprinting: A technique used to distinguish between individual family members using DNA samples.

genetic marker: A DNA sequence that is described between members using only DNA samples.

genetics: The study of the transmission of single genes within families and the analysis of more complex types of inheritance.