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Term Definition Codon A three nucleotide base sequence that codes for an amino acid Genome The genetic code composed of 64 codons that code for 21 amino acids and 3 stop codons. (amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and stop codons stop the writing process much like a period at the end of a sentence) Nucleic acid Polymer made of monomers; two examples are RNA and DNA Transcription Process of transferring information from DNA into an RNA message Translation The formation of an amino acid from RNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) A double-stranded polymer of nucleotides that houses genetic information Ribonucleic acid (RNA) Typically a single-stranded polymer that is much shorter than DNA but chemically similar with a few differences (e.g.- uracil replaces thymine). Replication Reproduction of DNA content from parent to daughter cell during cell division Amplification methods Techniques that increase the amount of the target, the detection signal, or the probe so that sequences are readily detected Fluorescence The emission of light at a longer wavelength when the light is excited at a shorter wavelength Oligonucleotide Short single-stranded nucleic acid Probe A nucleic acid used to identify a hybridization target Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) An amplification method performed in vitro

HIV consists of two basic components: a core of nucleic acid, called the genome, and a protein component that surrounds the genome, called a capsid. The genome carries the genetic information of the virus, while the capsid gives the virus its shape and protects the genome. The capsid is made up of subunits called capsomeres.

HIV consists of nine genes. Three of the genes provide genetic information for the capsid proteins, envelope proteins, and viral enzymes. The other six genes are regulatory genes, controlling functions such as uncoating of the HIV genome and the penetration of host cells. Gene NumberAbbreviationGene Function1gagcapsid proteins2polviral enzymes3envenvelope proteins4vifregulatory gene5tatregulatory gene6vpuregulatory gene7nefregulatory gene8vprregulatory gene9revregulatory gene

After penetration of the cell membrane by the gp41, the HIV capsid enters the cell's cytoplasm. Next, cellular enzymes strip away the capsid so that the HIV genome is released. Also stripped away are proteins p24 and p17. Protein 24 coats the HIV genome and protein 17 lines the inside of the capsid.

It has been said that we live in a new era of "individualized medicine". One of the primary drivers for this idea is the emerging field of pharmacogenomics (PGx). Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is the study of how individual variations in the human genome affect responses to medications. The term "pharmacogenetics" is also used for this discipline (people in the field use both terms); however, the term 'pharmacogenomics' is becoming more popular since we now know the entire human genome. The primary reason that individuals metabolize and respond to drugs differently is the inter-individual differences in receptor proteins and enzymes that metabolize the drugs. Mutations in these receptor proteins and enzymes can give rise to very different responses to drugs. In PGx, these mutations are referred to as variants.