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Agriculture & Environment: Agri-biotech in Africa

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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].

See All Definitions

M

Marker

Identifiable physical location on a chromosome, the inheritance of which can be monitored. Antibiotic resistance marker genes (usually of bacterial origin) render cells "immune" to the antibiotic; these genes can be used as tools to identify plant cells that have received new DNA through genetic modification.

Mutant

Organism that differs from its parent because of a mutation in its genetic code. Also called a variant.

Mutation

Genetic change caused by natural phenomena or an agent that causes mutations (such as radiation). 'Stable' mutations in genes are passed on to an organism's offspring; 'unstable' mutations are not. [UCB]

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