Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
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Definitions
Below is a directory of terms used in the field of genetically modified crops. Most of the terms have been reproduced from the University of California Biotech [UCB] or John Innes Centre [JIC].
A
Agrobacterium
A naturally occurring soil microorganism (bacterium) that produces crown gall disease in the wild; it does so by introducing part of its genetic material into the plant to direct it to make compounds it needs to live. A small piece of genetic material was isolated from this bacterium and is used to insert genes into plants in the process of genetic modification. [UCB]
Allergy
Adverse overreaction of the body's self-defence system, caused by the production of antibodies against specific substances. Asthma, hayfever and intolerance to milk or egg are familiar examples of allergies. [JIC]
Amino acids
Building blocks of proteins. About 20 different amino acids are commonly used by cells to make proteins. [JIC]
Antibiotic
Chemical substance produced by some bacteria and fungi, or produced synthetically, that inhibits the growth of, or kills, other microorganisms.
Antibiotic resistance
Resistance mechanisms to antibiotics exist that render cells 'immune' to the antibiotic; the genes for these characteristics are found in certain organisms. The genes are used in some genetic engineering experiments as tools to identify cells that have received new DNA. [UCB]
Antibodies
A class of proteins (known as immunoglobulins) formed in the body in response to the presence of antigens (foreign proteins and other compounds), which bind to the antigen and inactivate it. [JIC]
