Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Your DNA is calling......


OK, so it's been two weeks at my new job at GeneTree. The honeymoon is NOT over - I still really reallyreally really like it.

...and I've learned soo much.

I sometimes feel like the Paula Deen of DNA - "DNA is our frieeeend! "

In speaking with people, I have been able to actually use words that just two weeks ago I couldn't even pronounce. (I do, though, keep a phonetically-printed sheet of terminology...)

So I thought I'd share some more vocabulary words that can, and often do, have very different meanings...depending on who using them.

Collateral lines - branches that are descended from a common ancestor but not through the same direct line.

....and not...

....crows feet and laugh lines Ive gotten over years of living. (or what I like to refer to as my "collected works")

Complimentary pairs - the DNA molecule is made up of 2 long helical strands that connect together with the bases on one strand bonded to the bases of the other.

...and not...

Santa Claus and the Mrs. , Roy Rogers & Dale Evans, the Lone Ranger & Tonto, Ben & Jerry, Paris Hilton & her ego..

Genetic Pedigree -Y DNA and/or mt DNA profiles to represent each of the branches of a family tree for a selected number of generations.

...and not...

...your lineage used for show purposes in the American Kennel/Condo Club for People (where dogs run around in ugly 70's clothes parading you before the judges)

Indel -an insertion or deletion of one or more bases.

...and not..

...the answer to "duh....where farmer??"

Prior Knowledge - in statistics, narrows the range of theoretically possible outcomes.

..and not...

...I had NO IDEA they were having a sale today, ahem, really..."

Recombination - swapping of DNA fragments between paired chromosomes

...and not....

...what my school had to do several times at my locker because I couldn't remember the combination

Transmission Event - a birth; a passing of DNA to the next generation.

...and not...

...when the car only goes in reverse - and I have to drive home 7 blocks backwards!
(true story..)

Petering out -when an mt DNA line has died out because only sons (who are now deceased) were born.

...and not...

....Hmmm....probably shouldn't go there..

Anyway, I am well on my way to being able to give actual accurate information instead of making it up as I go along!! (note to Sacha: just kidding!!)

Tell me about the "big words" you're learning - maybe we could collaborate and make a new version of Webster's Dictionary....WebDic 2 - The sequal...

hahahaha...I crack me up....

-me

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Girl im glad your are getting so smart,but those big words can hurt your head on that first cup of coffee lol.
Thanks for your sweet words.

Jan said...

Ok, you are so almost too funny for this early in the morning! I'm gonna have to start reading your blog at night! LOL! You just crack me up!
So glad you still like your job! I still like mine too, and it's been a year! : )

Jan

The Feathered Nest said...

I'm impressed!!! This ol' hick would have a hard time with all of the terminology! (even that word was a stretch!) I'm so glad you're enjoying it Colleen ~ that really is the most important part isn't it? Love your version of the words the best, xxoo, Dawn

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love coming over here for my daily laughs, guffaws, chuckles, and occasional pant peeing :-)))
Hugs,
Penny

DustyR said...

Well now you've done it! I will always look at you as the Paula Dean of DNA! I am a big fan of Paula. I am a big fan of yours as well, you have been a great edition to our GeneTree team.

... more cupcakes? ;)

La Dolce Vita with LeAnn said...

I see invitations to Mensa coming your way girl. Thanks for another round of laughs. Time for you to get a late night talk should!

La Dolce Vita with LeAnn said...

Oh see my big words that should have been SHOW! Keep us smiling.

Wanna see what I've been up to ??

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