Irish Sign Language Resources

Approximately 5000 people in Ireland use Irish Sign Language (ISL) as their first language. ISL is a full and complex language with its own grammar, syntax and structure. But there are sometimes gaps in the vocabulary of ISL when it comes to technical subjects like Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). To tackle this problem, Deaf Community representatives, academics from Dublin City University (DCU) and other professionals came together in 2018 to build an Irish Sign Language STEM Glossary.

In 2022, we worked with the team in DCU to add 20 molecular biology signs to the ISL STEM Glossary. These 20 signs cover the key words that are used in our labs. The full ISL STEM Glossary can be found here, but we have included the 20 molecular biology signs below, alongside some of the other relevant signs that were already part of the ISL STEM Glossary below.

20 Molecular Biology Signs:

Chromosome

A long chain of DNA molecules that contains the genetic material of an organism.

DNA Sequence (1)

The order of nucleotides that make up a strand of DNA.

DNA Sequence (2)

The order of nucleotides that make up a strand of DNA.

DNA Profile

A specific DNA pattern, obtained from an organism.

DNA Profiling

The process where a specific DNA pattern, called a profile, is obtained from an organism.

DNA Ligase

The enzyme used to join two DNA molecules together.

DNA Ligation

The joining of two DNA molecules by the enzyme, DNA ligase.

DNA Ladder

Used to measure the sizes of DNA fragments that have been separated out in a gel. It is a mix of DNA fragments (of known sizes) that is run alongside your samples in a gel so that you can compare them.

DNA Fragments

Pieces of separated, cut, or broken DNA. In the lab, DNA fragments are made using restriction enzymes.

Forensic

The application of scientific methods to the investigation of crime.

Genome

The complete set of genes in a cell or organism.

Gene

The basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes are made up of DNA.

Molecular Biology

A branch of biology dealing with the structure and function of molecules involved in biological processes, such as DNA, RNA and proteins.

Molecular Cut / Restriction Digest

A process in which DNA is cut at specific sites using restriction enzymes. Also referred to as DNA digest.

Micropipette

A hand-held piece of laboratory equipment used to draw up, measure, and deliver accurate small volumes of liquid (from 0.1μl - 1mL).

Microorganism

A microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus.

Microlitre (μl)

A unit to measure small volumes of liquid. There are one thousand microlitres in a millilitre.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids. RNA and DNA are polymers made of long chains of nucleotides.

Pipette

A laboratory tool for transferring liquids.

Restriction Enzymes

Enzymes that cut DNA molecules at specific sequences. Also referred to as restriction endonucleases.

Other Relevant Signs From the ISL STEM Glossary:

Biology

The study of living things

Cell (singular)

In biology, the cell is the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known organisms.

Cells (plural)

In biology, cells are the basic structural, functional, and biological units of all known organisms.

Cell Membrane

A biological membrane that separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment.

Cell Wall (1)

A cell wall is a structural layer surrounding some types of cells, just outside the cell membrane.

Cell Wall (2)

A cell wall is a structural layer surrounding some types of cells, just outside the cell membrane.

Cell Wall (3)

A cell wall is a structural layer surrounding some types of cells, just outside the cell membrane.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst for a biological reaction.

Human Biology

A branch of biology that focuses on human individuals and populations.

Protein

In biochemistry, proteins are biomolecules and macromolecules made up of long chains of amino acids.

Temperature

The degree of hotness or coldness of the atmosphere on a chosen scale usually measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.

(Body) Temperature

A measure of how well your body can make and get rid of heat. Normal human body temperature ranges from 35.6 to 37 °C.

Tissue

An organised group or layer of cells that has a specific function.