Lexic.us

Definition of Xeroderma pigmentosum

1. Noun. A rare genetic condition characterized by an eruption of exposed skin occurring in childhood and photosensitivity with severe sunburn; inherited as a recessive autosomal trait in which DNA repair processes are defective so they are more likely to chromosome breaks and cancers when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Medical Definition of Xeroderma pigmentosum

1. A rare inherited (autosomal recessive) disease in humans associated with increased sensitivity to ultraviolet induced mutagenesis and thus skin cancer. Sensitivity can be demonstrated in cultured cells and appears to be due to deficiency in DNA repair, specifically in excision of ultraviolet induced thymine dimers. Afflicted individuals are extremely sensitive to light and develop eye and skin abnormalities such as premature aging, keratoses and skin cancers and must be kept completely away from UV light. Inheritance: autosomal recessive. This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Xeroderma Pigmentosum

Other Resources: