Dictionary

cloning, therapeutic See therapeutic cloning.

cloning, DNA The use of DNA manipulation procedures to produce multiple copies of a single gene or segment of DNA.

cloning, cell The process of producing a group of cells (clones), all genetically identical, from a single ancestral cell.

cloning The process of creating a genetically identical copy.

clone bank See genomic library.

clone, recombinant A clone that contains recombinant DNA molecules.

clone 1 A replica. For example, a clone can be made of a group of bacteria or a macromolecule such as DNA. 2 A group of cells derived from a single ancestral cell. 3 An individual developed from a single somatic (nongerm) cell from a parent, representing an exact replica of that parent.

CLL Chronic lymphocytic leukemia. See leukemia, chronic lymphocytic.

clitoris A small mass of erectile tissue in the female that is situated at the anterior apex of the vulva, near the meeting of the labia majora (vulvar lips). Like the penis, the clitoris is highly sensitive to stimulation during sex. The clitoris corresponds to the penis in the male.

clitoridectomy The surgical excision (removal) of the clitoris to reduce a woman’s ability to be sexually stimulated during intercourse. Also known as female circumcision and female genital mutilation. See also circumcision, female.

clip A device used to hold something or things together. For example, a surgical clip may be used to prevent a blood vessel from bleeding into the brain, or in a vasectomy to pinch together the sides of the vas deferens.

clinical trial See clinical research trial.