P
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Partial Activity |
Not completely active, may be missing vital components. |
| PCV (pneumococcal conjugate) vaccine |
An immunization that protects against a type of bacteria that is a common cause of pneumonia and ear infections. This type of bacteria can also cause more serious illnesses, such as meningitis and bacteremia (infection in the blood stream). Infants and toddlers are given 4 doses of the vaccine. The vaccine may also be used in older children who are at risk for pneumococcal infection. |
| Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) |
Refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills, including Asperger's, Rett's and Autism among others. |
| Phenotype |
The complete observable characteristics of a group, including anatomical, physiologic, biochemical traits as determined by genetic makeup. |
| Phenylacetylglutamine |
Normally formed from phenylacetate and glutamine and excreted in the urine. |
| Plasma |
Liquid part of the blood in which blood cells are suspended. |
| Prenatal |
Before birth. |
| Proband |
An individual with a particular disorder who causes a study of his hereditary and genetic factors to determine if other members of the family have the same disease or carry it. |
| Protein |
Essential to all living cells, simplified by body processes to simple alpha-amino acids. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins and each protein has a unique, genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. |
| Proximal |
Nearest to the point of reference. |
