Xeroderma Pigmentosum - Glossary

Glossary

Inherited: Derived from parents

Genetic: Pertaining to genes 

Xeroderma: Excessive dryness of skin

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): A nucleic acid that carries genetic information

Ultraviolet radiation: Radiation produced by the sun with wavelengths between 290 and 320 nm comprising less than 1 per cent of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth's surface. Ultraviolet B causes sunburn and a number of damaging changes within cells, including damage to DNA, leading to premature aging of the skin,premalignant and malignant changes, and a variety of photosensitivity reactions