Reproductive Genetics Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
multifactorial inheritance
A pattern of inheritance involving multiple genes combined with environmental factors that together contribute to a trait or condition.
allele dropout
Failure to amplify one allele during PCR, potentially causing misdiagnosis in genetic testing.
allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization
A molecular technique using short DNA probes that bind only to perfectly matched target sequences.
allelic heterogeneity
Phenomenon where different mutations in the same gene cause variable clinical presentations of a genetic condition.
amniocentesis
Diagnostic procedure involving needle aspiration of amniotic fluid to test for fetal genetic abnormalities, typically pe...
aneuploid conceptus
An embryo or fetus with an abnormal number of chromosomes.
aneuploidy
Abnormal chromosome number in cells, resulting from errors in chromosome segregation during meiosis or mitosis.
anticipation
A genetic phenomenon where a condition becomes more severe or has earlier onset in successive generations of a family.
assisted hatching
Laboratory technique to create an opening in the embryo's protective shell to facilitate implantation.
autosomal recessive inheritance
Inheritance pattern where both copies of a gene must carry pathogenic variants for disease expression. Affects males and...
balanced reciprocal translocation
Chromosomal rearrangement where two non-homologous chromosomes exchange segments without loss of genetic material.
balanced translocation
Chromosomal rearrangement where genetic material is exchanged between chromosomes without loss or gain of genetic materi...
blastocyst
Day 5-6 embryo stage characterized by inner cell mass and trophectoderm formation.
blastocyst biopsy
Procedure to remove cells from the outer layer of a 5-6 day embryo for genetic testing. Distinguished from earlier-stage...
blastomere
Individual cell within an early-stage embryo, typically biopsied on day 3 for genetic testing.
carrier screening
Genetic testing to identify individuals who carry one copy of a gene mutation for recessive disorders, performed before...
cell-free DNA
Circulating DNA fragments in maternal blood used for non-invasive prenatal screening.
chromosomal microarray
High-resolution genetic test that detects submicroscopic chromosomal deletions and duplications. First-line test for dev...
compound heterozygote
Individual carrying two different pathogenic variants in the same gene. Results in recessive disorder despite having dif...
concordance
The degree to which genetic test results agree between different testing methods or between twins for a particular trait...
confined placental mosaicism
A condition where chromosomal abnormalities are present in placental tissue but not in the fetus itself.
consanguineous mating
Reproduction between individuals who share recent common ancestors.
consanguinity
Blood relationship between individuals, particularly relevant in reproductive genetics when assessing increased risk of...
controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
Hormonal treatment protocol to stimulate multiple follicle development for IVF cycles.
copy number variant
Chromosomal segment that varies in copy number between individuals. May be pathogenic, benign, or of uncertain significa...