Glossary
Cell
The basic building block of all living things.
Chromosome
Structure constituted of DNA that contains a person’s genetic code.
DNA
Genetic information that contains instructions that make each species unique, such as instructions for making proteins and enzymes. This genetic code is transmitted from one generation to another.
Enzyme
A type of protein that speeds up the rate of a specific chemical reaction that takes place within a cell.
Lysosome
A specialized structure within a cell that contains digestive enzymes.
Lysosome storage disorder (LSD)
A group of disorders resulting from the build-up of waste products in lysosomes as a result of an enzyme problem.
Mutation
A change, or error, in the DNA sequence.
This change can be passed on from generation to generation.
X-linked disorder
An inherited disorder that is caused by a mutation on a gene on the X chromosome.