Glossary Term
Allele
Mutually exclusive alternative forms of the same gene occupying the same locus on homologous chromosomes, differing in nucleotide sequence and governing the same biochemical and developmental process.
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Glossary Term
Mutually exclusive alternative forms of the same gene occupying the same locus on homologous chromosomes, differing in nucleotide sequence and governing the same biochemical and developmental process.
Tests
An AFP tumor marker test is a blood test that measures the level of AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) in a sample of your blood. AFP is a protein that the liver makes when its cells are growing and dividing to make new cells. AFP levels are normally high in a fetus, but after birth, they drop very low. Healthy children and adults who aren’t pregnant have very little AFP in their blood.
Tests
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) testing uses a sample of blood or a cheek swab to diagnose a condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency). This condition is sometimes known as "alpha-." or AATD. If you have AAT deficiency, your body doesn't make enough AAT.
Indicators
Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (201 aa, ~24 kDa) is encoded by the human ORM1 gene. This protein may play a role in immunosuppression and small molecule transport.
Indicators
Alpha-2-macroglobulin (1474 aa, ~163 kDa) is encoded by the human A2M gene. This protein has activity as a protease inhibitor.
Indicators
Alpha-fetoprotein (609 aa, ~69 kDa) is encoded by the human AFP gene. This protein plays a role in the binding to copper, nickel, bilirubin and fatty acids in the fetal circulation.
Tests
An AFP test is a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in your blood when you are pregnant. The test checks your baby's risk of having certain birth defects and genetic problems , but it does not diagnose any health conditions. The test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy .
Tests
An ALT test measures the amount of ALT in your blood. This test is commonly used to help diagnose liver damage or disease .
Glossary Term
Alternate Splicing is a process in which multiple protein isoforms or products are generated from a single gene as a result of splicing together different nonconsecutive exons during the processing of initially identical nascent transcripts of a gene into mature mRNA transcripts. An exon may be connected to any one of several alternative exons to form the mRNA and generate related proteins, often in a tissue or developmental stage specific manner.
Article
Research record from Anal Chem, 2026-08-01. PMID 42610923.
Tests
An ammonia levels test measures the amount of ammonia in a sample of your blood. Ammonia is also called NH3. It is a normal waste product in your body. Healthy bacteria in your intestines make ammonia when you digest protein in the foods you eat.
Tests
An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine (pee). Amylase is an enzyme, a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in your body. Amylase helps you digest carbohydrates . Most of the amylase in your body is made by your pancreas and salivary (spit) glands.