RADIUS
the lateral (outer) bone of the lower arm
RECESSIVE ALLELE
an allele that is not expressed in the phenotype of an individual because it is masked by its dominant alternative
RECOMBINATION
the random distribution of parental chromosomes resulting in new gene combinations in the offspring
REPLICATION
the process by which a copy of DNA is made
REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS
the contribution of genes to the next generation
RESORPTION
the destruction of bone by osteoclasts
RIBONUCLEIC ACID
an important molecule found within the chromosomes that does not carry genetic information but assists in the duplication of DNA; a nucleic acid made up of a series of four bases (adenine, guanine, thymine and uracil), a ribose sugar and a phosphate group.
RICKETS
a disease process that includes the lack of absorption and use of both calcium and phosphorus due to a Vitamin D deficiency causing the incomplete mineralization of the bone.
RNA
the abbreviation for ribonucleic acid.
ROBUST
a rugged build; usually characterized as being large bodied and/or having heavily-structured anatomy; the opposite of gracile.