Biomarker

Definition

A biomarker is a measurable indicator of some biological state or condition, often used in medical and biological research. It can be a molecule, gene, or characteristic that provides information about disease processes or treatment responses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Biomarkers can be used for early detection of diseases such as cancer.
2. They play a crucial role in personalized medicine by helping tailor treatments to individual patients.
3. Biomarkers can be found in various body fluids like blood and urine, as well as tissues.
4. Proteomics and genomics are key fields in identifying and studying biomarkers.
5. Biomarkers help in monitoring the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

Review Questions

• What are the primary uses of biomarkers in medical research?
• How do biomarkers contribute to personalized medicine?
• In what types of biological materials can biomarkers be found?

Related terms

Genomics: The study of an organism's complete set of DNA, including all its genes.

Proteomics: The large-scale study of proteins, particularly their structures and functions.

Personalized Medicine: A medical model using characterization of individuals' phenotypes and genotypes for tailoring the right therapeutic strategy for the right person at the right time.