STSs can be detected by PCR methods and are useful as landmarks on the genome, to localize and orient sequence data. Stem Cells - Unspecialized, immature cells in the bone marrow from which all types of blood cells originate. Suicide Gene - A gene that causes the cell to produce an enzyme that will attract a lethal drug. Suicide genes are used in gene therapy as a way to target medication toward cells associated with a particular disease. If they are defective or missing, cancer can develop because cells can grow uncontrollably.
Normal females carry two X chromosomes.
Y Chromosome - A sex chromosome. Normal males carry one Y chromosome and one X chromosome. Copyright 1998 Baylor College of Medicine. All Rights Reserved.